In this course, pianist and educator Daniel Weiser will explore the tragically short, but incredibly productive life of American’s greatest composer.  The son of Russian Jewish immigrants, Gershwin grew up in the rough, chaotic streets of New York and soaked up the melting pot around him to help formulate the new, brash sound of America.  Combining elements of “Jewish” music with the “Blues” and “Ragtime” brought by recent black migrants from the South, Gershwin would help produce the new “Jazz” and “Broadway” sound that made New York City a new center for musical culture.  Gershwin seamlessly moved between the “classical” and “popular” worlds to help reveal the continuum of these seemingly different idioms.  Over four classes, Dr. Weiser will play much of Gershwin’s concert music, including “Rhapsody in Blue,” “An American in Paris,” and his “Preludes.”  He will also perform many of his iconic songs, most written with his brother Ira, as well as his obscure early opera, “Blue Monday.”