American in Paris, An (arr Nowlin)

From Wind Repertory Project
George Gershwin

George Gershwin (trans. Nowlin)


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General Info

Year: 1929 / 2016
Duration: c. 5:45
Difficulty: (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: U.S. Marine Band
Cost: Score and Parts - Unknown


Instrumentation

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Errata

None discovered thus far.


Program Notes

Gershwin was best known as a writer of music for the entertainment market, but he did make several excursions into the realm of art music. One of these was the result of a brief visit to Paris in 1926 (from which he returned with a French taxicab horn and the sketch of a melody) and a longer stay in 1928. He made use of both the horn and the melody while writing this piece during his second viit. He called the work a "rhapsodic ballet." His description follows:

" I have not endeavored to present any definite scenes in this music. The rhapsody is programmatic in a general impressionistic sort of way, so that the individual listener can read into the music such episodes as his imagination pictures for him. The opening section is followed by a rich 'blues' with a strong rhythmic undercurrent. Our American friend, perhaps after strolling into a cafe, has suddenly succumbed to a spasm of homesickness. The blues rises to a climax followed by a coda in which the spirit of the music returns to the vivacity and bubbling exuberance of the opening part with its impressions of Paris."

-Program Note from Program Notes for Band


The transcriber, First Lieutenant Ryan J. Nowlin, is the Assistant Director of the United States Marine Band.


Media

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State Ratings

None discovered thus far.


Performances

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  • United States Marine Band (Washington, D.C.) (Ryan J. Nowlin, conductor) – 24 March 2016 – *Premiere Transcription Performance*


Works for Winds by This Composer

Adaptable Music


All Wind Works


Resources

  • Smith, Norman E. (2002). Program Notes for Band. Chicago: GIA Publications. pp. 226.
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