George Gershwin - Famous Works

George Gershwin at the piano, American composer and songwriter.
George Gershwin at the piano, shaping an unmistakably American musical voice that bridged jazz, Broadway, and the concert hall.


George Gershwin (1898–1937) was one of the most influential figures in twentieth-century American music, uniquely bridging classical tradition with jazz and popular idioms. His music is characterized by rhythmic vitality, memorable melodies, and an unmistakable urban energy, reflecting the spirit of New York and modern American life.

His output ranges from orchestral works and piano music to Broadway musicals, film scores, and songs, making him one of the most versatile composers of his time. The following is a representative selection of his most significant works.

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Orchestral Works

  • Rhapsody in Blue
  • Piano Concerto in F Major
  • An American in Paris
  • Second Rhapsody for piano and orchestra
  • Cuban Overture
  • Variations on "I Got Rhythm"

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Piano Works

  • Three Preludes
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Musicals 

  • George White's Scandals
  • Primrose
  • Lady, Be Good!
  • Tell me More
  • Tip-Toes
  • Funny Face
  • Girl Crazy
  • Of Thee I Sing
  • The Rainbow
  • Oh, Kay!
  • La La Lucille
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Film Music

  • Shall We Dance?
  • A Damsel in Distress
  • The Goldwyn Follies
  • The Shocking Miss Pilgrim
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Opera

  • Porgy and Bess
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Songs:

  • Swanee
  • The Man I Love
  • Embraceable You
  • The Way You Look Tonight
  • I Got Rhythm
  • Oh, Lady Be Good!
  • It Ain't Necessarily So
  • Summertime
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🔎 Work Analyses of George Gershwin on MusiLLection

You can explore detailed analyses of selected works below: