Rhapsody in Blue — Remembering Audrey

 

I first heard Gershwin's 'Rhapsody in Blue' at Lewisohn Stadium in the Bronx.  I was an early-teen or possibly a pre-teen.  My sister, Audrey, was, I think, at the time a student at Hunter College.  She had scored a pair of tickets — student discount, no doubt — to a concert featuring 'Rhapsody in Blue' and 'An American in Paris', to this day my favorites of Gershwin's work.

Why she asked me to come along remains a mystery.  It never occurred to me until just recently that I was an unusual choice for a date, and Audrey can no longer explain her motives.  Perhaps Carmine Rispoli was otherwise occupied.

Lewisohn Stadium no longer exists.  It occupied the space (according to Wikipedia) from 136th street to 138th street between Amsterdam and Convent avenues.  We likely took the subway to the 137th street (City College) station and walked the few blocks to the stadium from there.  At a distance of 60+ years I can no longer recall the fine details.

What I can recall is being enthralled by music more beautiful and moving than anything in the classical repertoire.  'An American In Paris', in particular, perfectly described that beautiful city that I wouldn't see with my own eyes for another forty years.  To this day I can never envision Paris without Gershwin.

How odd that it's only now that I realize how much I miss my sister.