: Gershwin claimed the piece's full construction came to him during a train journey from Boston to New York, where the "steely rhythms" and "rattlety-bang" of the train inspired the work's momentum.
: Due to time constraints—Gershwin composed the concerto in just five weeks—the orchestration was handled by Whiteman’s arranger, Ferde Grofé . Grofé created multiple versions over the years, including the original jazz band scoring (1924) and the more common full symphonic version (1942). Musical Structure and Themes Rhapsody In Blue: Gershwin
: Representing the mechanical, rhythmic pulse of 1920s urban life. Stride : A nod to the Harlem stride piano style. Shuffle : A jazz-inflected rhythmic section. : Gershwin claimed the piece's full construction came