The piece begins with a solo clarinet glissando, and the structure of Figure 2 is more relaxed and free. However, in measure two, the clarinet plays triplets similar to those in measure five of figure 1 in violin. In both introductions, the triplets add color. The structure if the piece and melody is very similar to that of the classical piece in Figure 1. It is clearly shown that the classical structure is found in Gershwin’s style.

The tempo is quite moderate, and these first few measures create a blues theme. At the peak of the trill, the French horns and woodwind section enter playing a repeated-not theme at a faster tempo. This creates a call and response with the clarinet soloist. Next, the clarinet passes the blues theme to the solo trumpet, which is muted. The trumpet is accompanied by the brass section. The mute gives the solo trumpet a unique and squawky sound that fits perfectly in the jazz style of music.  Then, the solo piano joins at a mezzo forte and the full orchestra crescendos to play the blues theme at fortissimo, and the cymbals crash. The piano then plays an extended solo at piano, and then the tempo speeds up with rapid repeating chords. As the piano crescendos to forte, it moves up the scale with the blues theme. This is followed by the joining of the low brass instruments. Shortly after, the brass section drops out, leaving the piano playing solo at a soft dynamic marking. The piano crescendos to fortissimo, and plays brilliant rushing notes with fast repeating chords.

 

In Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, the score Is written for a full symphony orchestra; however, there is also a solo piano version of this piece. The instruments include a full symphony orchestra; solo piano, 2 flutes, 2 clarinets, 2 oboes, bass clarinet, 2 bassoons, 2 alto saxophones, tenor saxophone, 3 French horns, 3 trumpets, tuba, timpani, bass drum, snare drum, cymbals, gong, triangle, 1st violins, 2nd violins, violas, cellos, and double basses. Below is the form of the piece:


1.Exposition

-Introduction which states and develops many of the work's major themes

-Episode 1, which introduces a new theme

-Return of opening theme

2. Blues-y march and development

3. Return of opening theme

4. Broad tune and development

5. Cadenza

6. Quasi-recap

7. Finale.

 

Melody

Classical melodies are among the most tuneful and easy to remember. However, they are not easy to sing. The themes of even highly sophisticated compositions may have a folk or popular flavor. Occasionally, composer simply borrowed popular tunes, but more often, they wrote original themes with a popular character. Classical melodies often sound balanced and symmetrical because they are frequently made up of two phrases of the same length. The second phrase, in such melodies, may begin like the first, but it will end more conclusively and it will be easier to sing.