How did jazz influence George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue and Aaron Copland’s Piano Concerto?

George Gershwin and Aaron Copland both engaged with jazz to bridge the gap between popular and classical music, though they utilized its elements in distinct ways.

George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue

Gershwin sought to bring respectability to jazz, which was often unfairly maligned at the time. In Rhapsody in Blue (1924), he integrated specific jazz idioms into a symphonic context to demonstrate that the genre was not limited to strict dance rhythms. The work features:1
* Jazz Idioms: The inclusion of blue notes, syncopated rhythms, and onomatopoeic instrumental effects.1
* Symphonic Integration: By blending these elements with classical structures, Gershwin aimed to "kill the misconception" that jazz could not function outside of rigid, dance-oriented constraints.1

Aaron Copland’s Piano Concerto

Copland’s approach to jazz was largely focused on its instrumental textures and rhythmic vitality rather than its improvisational core. In his Piano Concerto (1926) and Music for the Theater (1925), he incorporated:2
* Stylistic Nuances: He was drawn to the unique timbres and inflections of jazz, such as brass mutes, glissandos, and specific note-bending techniques.2
* Rhythmic Focus: Copland utilized jazz rhythms to achieve a modern, expressive characterization of American themes, while largely ignoring or underappreciating the improvisatory nature of the genre.32