Gershwin's Train Ride: How 11 Days Changed American Music Forever

What happens when you hear music in TRAIN WHEELS?

In January 1924, George Gershwin learned about the biggest musical opportunity of his life from a newspaper. He had 

weeks to write a masterpiece—but here's where it gets wild: he composed Rhapsody in Blue in just 11 DAYS on a train ride 

to Boston, listening to the clickety-clack rhythm for inspiration.

This episode is about so much more than one song:

✓ The story of how a 25-year-old kid broke the rules and blended JAZZ with CLASSICAL music (when critics said it was   impossible)

✓ The PERSONALITY of a masterpiece: why Rhapsody in Blue sounds sassy, restless, soulful, and proudly American all at  once

✓ The famous clarinet glissando that was supposed to be a JOKE but became permanent legend

✓ How old and new collided during the Gilded Age—and created genius instead of conflict.

✓ A stunning performance by Hayato Sumino playing MELODICA and PIANO simultaneously (yes, the instrument from Bluey!)

✓ How to become a SOUND COLLECTOR and find music in the world around you

Rhapsody in Blue isn't just a pretty song. It's the sound of history, conflict, and hope all mixed together. By the end, you'll understand why it still moves people 100+ years later.

🎵 The best music class you've ever heard.

green.myflodesk.com/podcast