Composer

:

George Gershwin

Genre

:

Musical Theatre

Style

:

Song: Popular

Compose Date

:

1936

Average_duration

:

3:09

'By Strauss' is a musical number composed by George Gershwin in 1936. It was written for the Broadway musical "The Show is On!" and was performed by the legendary Fred Astaire. The song is a tribute to the famous composer Johann Strauss II, and it features a mix of classical and jazz elements. The plot of the musical number is simple. It is a celebration of the music of Johann Strauss II, and it features a series of vignettes that showcase the composer's most famous works. The song begins with a solo piano introduction that sets the mood for the piece. The first movement of the song features a lively and upbeat melody that is reminiscent of Strauss's famous waltzes. The second movement is slower and more romantic, with a beautiful melody that is played by the strings. The third movement is a return to the lively and upbeat tempo of the first movement, and it features a playful melody that is played by the woodwinds. The premiere of 'By Strauss' was on November 25, 1936, at the Winter Garden Theatre in New York City. The musical number was performed by Fred Astaire, who was one of the biggest stars of the time. Astaire's performance was a huge success, and the song quickly became one of the most popular numbers in the show. One of the characteristics of 'By Strauss' is its unique blend of classical and jazz elements. Gershwin was known for his ability to combine different musical styles, and this song is a perfect example of his talent. The song features a classical melody that is played by the strings, but it also has a jazz-inspired rhythm that is played by the drums and the piano. This combination of styles creates a unique sound that is both familiar and new. Another characteristic of 'By Strauss' is its use of musical motifs. The song features several musical motifs that are repeated throughout the piece. These motifs help to tie the different movements of the song together and create a sense of unity. The use of motifs is a common technique in classical music, and Gershwin's use of them in this song shows his appreciation for the classical tradition. In conclusion, 'By Strauss' is a musical number that celebrates the music of Johann Strauss II. It was composed by George Gershwin in 1936 and was performed by Fred Astaire in the Broadway musical "The Show is On!" The song features a unique blend of classical and jazz elements and uses musical motifs to create a sense of unity. Its premiere was a huge success, and it quickly became one of the most popular numbers in the show.

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