You'll Hear It From Sonata to Stank Face
Jul 14, 2025
Josh Weilerstein, conductor and host of the Sticky Notes podcast, dives into the colorful intersection of jazz and classical music. He discusses the playful differences and shared passions of both genres, exploring iconic pieces like Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue and Ravel's Piano Concerto. From Duke Ellington's swinging interpretations to the improvisational spirit of jazz influenced by classical training, the conversation breezily highlights how these musical worlds coexist. It's a fun and enlightening journey for music lovers!
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Ravel’s Classical Jazz Fusion
- Ravel embraced jazz rhythms and melodies deeply after his U.S. tour.
- His Piano Concerto in G Major is the jazziest classical piece harmonically, though not improvised.
Gershwin’s Improvised Cadenzas
- Gershwin improvised the cadenzas at the premiere of Rhapsody in Blue.
- Most classical performances play these cadenzas strictly, losing the improvisational spirit.
Brubeck’s Classical-Jazz Precision
- Dave Brubeck’s Blue Rondo à la Turk showcases classical precision with jazz groove.
- Leading classical musicians dream of the rhythmic looseness with total precision jazz possesses.
