Rhapsody in Blue

George Gershwin

Recordings

Top Choice

Leonard Pennario / Felix Slatkin / Hollywood Bowl Symphony Orchestra

1959

Gil's prime recommendation. Beautiful 'full dimensional sound.' A good mix of 'jazzy elements with the symphonic elements.' Pennario 'plays lights out' and the orchestra is 'having a blast'.

Also Worth Hearing

Leonard Bernstein / Leonard Bernstein / Columbia Symphony

1959

A famous recording. 'A little bit more on the symphonic side.' Really exciting, well recorded, with imagination from Bernstein.

George Gershwin / Paul Whiteman / Paul Whiteman's Orchestra

1924 Historic recording

The composer's own version. Primitive sound, but fascinating. Very fast, 'much more jazzy,' and played for fun, not as a 'holy relic'.