When Did Gershwin Write an American in Paris?

By Alice Nichols

George Gershwin, the famous American composer and pianist, is known for his extraordinary contributions to the world of music. One of his most popular works is the orchestral composition ‘An American in Paris.’

It was written during a time when Gershwin was experimenting with different styles and techniques, creating a unique sound that would become synonymous with his name. But when exactly did he write this masterpiece

The Inspiration

Gershwin’s inspiration for ‘An American in Paris’ came during a trip he took to Europe in 1928. He was fascinated by the vibrant music scene in Paris and decided to capture the essence of the city through his music. The piece is essentially a musical depiction of an American visitor wandering through the streets of Paris, taking in all the sights and sounds.

The Writing Process

Gershwin began writing ‘An American in Paris’ shortly after returning from his trip to Europe. He started working on it in December 1928 and completed it by February 1929. The piece was originally composed for solo piano but later adapted into an orchestral work.

Revisions

After completing the initial version, Gershwin continued to revise and refine ‘An American in Paris.’ He made significant changes to the score, such as adding new themes and orchestrating different sections differently. His revisions were so extensive that it took him several months to finalize the piece.

The Premiere

‘An American in Paris’ premiered on December 13, 1928, at Carnegie Hall in New York City. It was performed by Walter Damrosch and the New York Philharmonic Orchestra, with Gershwin himself playing the piano solo part. The performance was a huge success, with both critics and audiences praising Gershwin’s innovative style and the piece’s vivid depiction of Paris.

Legacy

‘An American in Paris’ has since become one of Gershwin’s most beloved works, cementing his reputation as one of the greatest composers of the 20th century. It has been performed countless times by orchestras around the world and has been featured in numerous movies and TV shows.

  • In 1951, ‘An American in Paris’ was adapted into a musical film starring Gene Kelly.
  • The piece won a Pulitzer Prize for music in 1958.
  • It was also included in the soundtrack for the popular video game ‘Grand Theft Auto IV.’

Conclusion

In conclusion, George Gershwin wrote ‘An American in Paris’ between December 1928 and February 1929. The piece was inspired by his trip to Europe and depicts an American visitor’s experience wandering through the streets of Paris. It premiered on December 13, 1928, at Carnegie Hall to critical acclaim and has since become one of Gershwin’s most famous works.