# Ferde Grofé — Rhapsody in Blue Orchestration

**Status:** Documented. Grofé orchestrated Rhapsody in Blue; Gershwin provided two-piano score. The line between orchestration and composition is blurry—Grofé's choices shaped the work's sound. Officially credited as orchestrator; contributes to Gershwin/Swift investigation.

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## Overview

Ferde Grofé (1892–1972). Paul Whiteman's staff arranger. Orchestrated Rhapsody in Blue (1924) and created multiple versions (1924 jazz band, 1926 pit orchestra, 1942 symphonic).

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## Rhapsody in Blue — Collaboration

### Gershwin's Role

- Commissioned by Whiteman; five weeks to complete.
- Delivered **two-piano score**—one piano = solo part, other = band reduction.
- Consulted Grofé early: played sketches for feedback on themes and ordering.

### Grofé's Role

- Received pages as Gershwin completed them; **orchestrated** for Whiteman's ensemble.
- Knew each player's strengths (four+ years with ensemble).
- **Published credit:** "Geo. Gershwin ; score by Ferdie [sic] Grofé" (Morgan Library).
- Grofé = orchestrator; Gershwin = composer.

### Blurred Line

- Orchestration choices (instrumentation, color, voicing) significantly shape the work's impact.
- Richard Howe: Gershwin consulted Grofé on "which themes to include and their ordering"—compositional input, not merely scoring.
- Grofé's handling "significantly contributed to the work's lasting success" (LOC).
- **Interpretation:** Grofé's contribution exceeds "mere" orchestration; but he is credited. Contrast with Kay Swift (no formal credit despite "intimate involvement").

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## Cross-Reference

- [gershwin-kay-swift.md](gershwin-kay-swift.md) — Porgy and Bess; Swift uncredited; Grofé credited for Rhapsody

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## Sources

- [The Morgan Library: Rhapsody in Blue score](https://www.themorgan.org/music-manuscripts-and-printed-music/113498)
- [Richard Howe: Who wrote Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue?](https://richardhowe.com/2022/12/27/who-wrote-gershwins-rhapsody-in-blue/)
- [Wikipedia: Rhapsody in Blue](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhapsody_in_Blue)
- [LOC: Rhapsody in Blue NRPB](https://loc.gov/static/programs/national-recording-preservation-board/documents/RhapsodyInBlue.pdf)

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Keywords: #Ferde #Grofe #Grof #Rhapsody #Blue #Orchestration