The concerto is wonderfully crafted and is a perfect fusion of classical construction and the world of jazz. The music has a self-confidence that captures the spirit of the age, this is New York in the 1930s: optimistic, fun-loving and life-affirming. The Rhapsody in Blue was premiered in 1924, and was commissioned by Paul Whiteman the band leader who wished to proved that jazz had come of age as an indigenous art form. Orchestrated by Ferde Grofe (who arranged work for Whiteman as his arranger) the work soon entered the concert repertoire. However, Gershwin also intended it to be played on two pianos, as it is on this CD alongside the two-piano arrangement of the Concerto in F.