Work of the Week – George Gershwin: An American in Paris

By Christopher Peter
23 Dec 2024

A black-and-white photo of George Gershwin standing by a ship's railing in an elegant suit. Gershwin smiles faintly and gazes to the side, evoking a sense of travel and adventure.

George Gershwin’s An American in Paris is a unique orchestral work that captures the vibrant atmosphere of 1920s Paris. Inspired by the city’s cultural energy, Gershwin combined jazz elements with classical orchestration, creating a masterpiece that continues to captivate audiences today.

Inspiration from Travels: An American in Paris

In 1928, George Gershwin and his brother Ira traveled through Europe. This journey, documented in The Gershwins Abroad, inspired George to recreate the bustling sounds of Paris – honking car horns, lively cafés, and street life – in his music. Remarkably, Gershwin brought real Parisian taxi horns back to New York to include in the score.

A New Year’s Celebration

An American in Paris will be performed during the New Year season. The Orchestre National de Metz, conducted by David Reiland, performs it on December 27, 28, and 29, 2024, at the Arsenal Jean-Marie Rausch. Their tour continues across France, concluding in Saarbrücken, Germany, on January 12, 2025. Meanwhile, the Bamberg Symphony Orchestra will feature the piece at their New Year’s Eve concert on December 31 in Bamberg, as will the SWR Symphony Orchestra under Dominik Beykirch at Stuttgart’s Liederhalle.

A Milestone in Gershwin’s Legacy

An American in Paris remains one of Gershwin’s most iconic works, blending classical traditions with the rhythms of jazz. Its success cemented Gershwin’s reputation as a composer of the modern era, influencing music history forever.

“Frankie broke a drinking glass—we had a lousy dinner—I lost $8.20 to George at Casino but outside of that Friday, 4/13 wasn’t bad. Weather lovely.” (Ira Gershwin in his diary - Paris, 13 April 1928)

A Literary Treasure and New Edition

For Gershwin fans, there’s more to celebrate: Ira Gershwin’s travel diary, The Gershwins Abroad, has been published by Schott Music in December 2024, offering fascinating insights into the brothers’ journey and the creation of An American in Paris. The score will also be released in March 2025 as part of the “The George and Ira Gershwin Critical Edition,” providing new performance material.

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