Paul Lay Jazz Concert – “Rhapsody in Blue Extended”

Program “Rhapsody in Blue Extended”

First premiered in 1924, Rhapsody in Blue broke musical boundaries by blending jazz and classical idioms, becoming one of the most iconic pieces of the 20th century. Paul Lay revisits this masterpiece a century later, stripping away the orchestration to let the piano alone carry its sweeping melodies, syncopated rhythms, and improvisational spirit. His interpretation moves seamlessly between lyricism and virtuosity, drawing on both Gershwin’s score and his own inventiveness to reveal new colors and emotions in the music. Praised for its audacity and freshness, this version offers audiences a rare opportunity to hear Gershwin’s genius in its most intimate form — a captivating dialogue between tradition and freedom, brought to life by one of France’s most brilliant pianists.

“ When he created his Rhapsody in Blue, George Gershwin was the first composer to combine jazz and classical music in an original concert work. By using the sounds and rhythms of the jazz bands of the 1920s and incorporating them into his writing, he broke down the barriers between jazz and symphonic music.

The premiere took place on February 12, 1924 at the Aeolian Hall in New York, conducted by Paul Whiteman; George Gershwin played the solo piano part. This first version of the work reveals the composer’s ambition: to transpose the spirit of jazz into his writing in order to make «great music», as Maurice Ravel, a friend and great admirer of Gershwin, would do in several of his compositions. Yet Gershwin’s work is typically American in its unique sound and its willingness to merge opposite cultural traditions.

Ferde Goffré arranged three versions of Rhapsody in Blue for the composer. The 1924 version features brass and percussion. A second version appeared in 1926, and a third in 1942 – the latter having become, in a way, the official version.”

— Paul Lay

About the Artist

Paul Lay, acclaimed French pianist and composer, is recognized as one of the leading figures of contemporary European jazz. He was awarded the Django Reinhardt Prize (French Musician of the Year, 2016) and named Best New Artist at the Victoires du Jazz. Daytime programs will include conversations and exchanges on the history of jazz, its contemporary practice, and its transatlantic resonances.

Security Rules: Each person attending the event must have a ticket registered in their name and a government-issued ID that matches the name on the reservation to enter the Embassy. No one will be admitted without a reservation and official ID. Due to strict security measures, please arrive on time, as doors will be closed at 7:30 pm sharp. Please allow for extra time for security screenings.