I Hear a Rhapsody: Marcus Roberts [BONUS]

George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue had its premiere precisely 100 years ago, and has enjoyed a productive and impactful life ever since. But as Greg puts it in this bonus episode: “Whose Rhapsody is it?” A symphonic work openly indebted to Black American musical traditions has often been more celebrated than its source material — one reason to look to an interpreter like pianist Marcus Roberts, our guest this episode. He’s been performing Gershwin’s piece for decades, and before a recent series of blockbuster concerts with The Philadelphia Orchestra, he sat down with Nate in our studio to share his gemlike insights. 

More to explore: 

• NYT: The Worst Masterpiece: Rhapsody in Blue at 100
• NYT: No, ‘Rhapsody in Blue’ Is Not ‘the Worst’
• NPR: Marcus Roberts: 'Playing The History Of Jazz'

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