How did George Gershwin blend jazz with classical music?

George Gershwin was a pivotal figure in American music who bridged the gap between popular music and classical music by integrating the stylistic nuances of jazz into symphonic structures.1

His approach involved several key techniques:

• Incorporating Jazz Idioms: In works like Rhapsody in Blue, Gershwin utilized hallmarks of the jazz idiom—such as blue notes, syncopated rhythms, and onomatopoeic instrumental effects—within a formal orchestral context.2
• Adapting Traditional Forms: Gershwin applied classical structures, such as the concerto and sonata forms, to jazz-inspired themes. For example, his Concerto in F utilized traditional movements while incorporating rhythms from the popular "Charleston" dance.3
• Harmonic and Stylistic Fusion: In compositions like An American in Paris, he rooted the harmonic structure in blues traditions while requiring soloists to employ jazz techniques like bending, sliding, and growling notes.3

By doing so, Gershwin sought to bring respectability to jazz, challenging the contemporary misconception that the genre was limited to strict dance rhythms or lacked structural depth.2