George Gershwin is one of the most famous and influential American composers of the 20th century. His compositions, including “Rhapsody in Blue,” “An American in Paris,” and many more, continue to be popular and widely performed today.
However, there has been some debate over whether or not Gershwin actually wrote “An American in Paris. “
The Controversy
The controversy surrounding the authorship of “An American in Paris” stems from the fact that Gershwin collaborated with a French arranger and conductor named Maurice Ravel on the piece. According to some accounts, Ravel may have had a much larger role in the composition process than previously thought.
One theory suggests that Ravel actually wrote significant portions of the piece, including the famous taxi horns that open the work. This theory is supported by evidence such as sketches and drafts of the piece that show Ravel’s handwriting alongside Gershwin’s.
Counterarguments
However, there are also many counterarguments to this theory. For one thing, Gershwin himself always maintained that he was the sole composer of “An American in Paris.” He even went so far as to say that he had never even met Ravel until after the piece was completed.
In addition, there is evidence that supports Gershwin’s claim. For example, many early drafts of the piece are written entirely in Gershwin’s handwriting, with no sign of any input from Ravel.
The Truth
So what is the truth about who wrote “An American in Paris” The answer may never be known for certain.
However, it seems likely that both Gershwin and Ravel contributed to the composition process in some way. It’s possible that Ravel may have helped with the orchestration or provided some musical ideas, while Gershwin was responsible for the overall structure and themes of the piece.
Whatever the case may be, there is no denying the enduring popularity of “An American in Paris.” From its lively opening bars to its sweeping melodies and jazzy rhythms, this piece captures the spirit of Paris and America in a way that few other works can. Whether or not George Gershwin wrote it entirely on his own, there’s no doubt that he played a major role in creating one of the greatest American compositions of all time.