How quickly did George Gershwin compose Rhapsody in Blue?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

George Gershwin composed his iconic work, Rhapsody in Blue, in three weeks.1

After being commissioned by bandleader Paul Whiteman for a concert titled "An Experiment in Modern Music," Gershwin reportedly forgot the request until he saw a newspaper announcement in early January 1924 stating that the concert would feature a new composition by him. Working at a furious pace to meet the February 12 deadline, he completed the piece in that short timeframe.1

Due to this rapid composition, the work was somewhat unfinished at its premiere, leading Gershwin to improvise much of the piano solo during the performance. The piece was later arranged for symphony orchestra by Ferde Grofé.1