American Rhapsody

"American Rhapsody can also refer to the movie An American Rhapsody."

"American Rhapsody" refers to a musical composition written by the noted musician John Serry, Sr. for the accordion in 1955. The composer was inspired by the classical orchestral works of George Gershwin along with the exotic percussive beats of South America while composing this opus. By synthesizing the compositional techniques typically associated with classical music with those identified with jazz, this piece serves as a fascinating example of the Symphonic Jazz genre featuring the free bass accordion as a solo instrument. In addition, it pays homage to the music of South America by incorporating a lively Latin American beat in the "Dance" sequence. [ "Accordion World", Bedford Hills, NY, 1968.]

The composition was published in its original version for solo accordion by the Alpha Music Company in 1957. The work was premiered by the composer on the free bass accordion in a concert series hosted by the Orpheus Glee Club at Flushing, New York in December, 1963. It was subsequently performed by a student of the composer (Joseph Nappi) for the first annual concert of the Accordion Association of Long Island during 1964 in New York. It was eventually transcribed by the composer for solo piano in 2002 and is described in its revised version for piano.

tructure

The composition consists of four parts: Part I - "Introduction and Blues" (Maestoso); Part II - "The Dance" (Allegretto ben ritmato);Part III - "The Dream" (Andante Sostenuto) and Part IV - "Finale: TheAwakening" (Vivace).

Composition

Introduction and Blues

The opening "Introduction and Blues " is scored in 3/4 time in the keyof B Flat and is marked Maestoso. The opening chord flourish is boldlypresented as octaves within the treble voice and immediately echoed in an ominous manner within the bass voice several times. This foreshadows the onset of "The Blues", which is scored in 2/4 time in the same key as the "Introduction" but is marked Andantino.

The main theme is now developed tenderly ( E Poco Robato) in both the bass and treble voices. The ensuing interleaving of both voices leads to a climactic trill and arpeggio marked A Piacore by the composer and subsequently recapitulated alone in the bass voice. This is followed by a series of chromatic chord modulations from the key of D Sharp leading back to B Flat. The section concludes with a cascade of eighth notes presented as an overlay to the ominous echoes of the main theme repeated in the bass.

The Dance

The second section of the composition is a "Dance" scored in 4/4 time in the key of D major and is marked Allegretto Ben Ritmato. The composer expressly calls for a Latin beat (i.e. Bougoes or Maracas) as expressed in orchestral form. The section opens with an ominous and haunting melody line in the bass which is syncopated with melodic development in the treble voice. This culminates in a brief cadenza in the key of F and the onset of a dramatic dissonance for the climax. A series of frantic sixteenth note flourishes ensues in the treble voice. This is followed by a series of chord modulations marked Furioso which heralds the onset of the "Dream" sequence.

The Dream

The third section is entitle "The Dream" and is scored in 4/4 time in the key of C Major marked Andante Sostenuto . It embodies a mystical and tender recapitulation of the main theme which is marker Molto Legato. The recapitulation is accompanied by a key change back to F major. It concludes with the theme expressed majestically in octaves and a playful recapitulation leading to the key of C Major which is marked Allegretti Scherzando.

Finale: The Awakening

The final section is entitled "The Awakening" and is initially scored in the key of C Major marked Vivace. It is a vibrant energetic section which opens with a dynamic series of dramatic sixteenth note flourishes leading back to the key of B Flat. Here the main theme of "The Dance" sequence is majestically restated for a dramatic conclusion culminating in a stirring final arpeggio rumbling though the bass.

References

Archived Scores

A copy of this composition has been archived for research purposes within the Sibley Music Library of the University of Rochester's Eastman School of Music as part of the Ruth T. Watanabe Special Collections Department. Researchers may contact the Special Collections Librarian & Archivist at the library for access to the entire John Serry Sr. Collection of musical scores. [http://www.esm.rochester.edu/sibley/] .