[Dixielandjazz] just a question, help greatly appreciated

[J. D. Bryce]

It is true that Grofe arranged the original Rhapsody, but the arrangement 
used by most symphonic orchestras and wind ensembles is not the Grofe 
arrangement.  In the original arrangement, the secondary, slow theme was 
played by Whiteman's saxophone section.  In the symphonic arrangement, that 
theme is played by french horns.  There are other differences also.  But it 
is true that Grofe's arrangement has been the inspiration for all subsequent 
scorings of the Rhapsody; especially the prominance of the clarinet, trumpet 
and trombone figures. These instrument were/are fundamental to jazz of the 
1920s.  In addition, that famous clarinet chromatic-then smearing gliss at 
the beginning of the piece was added at the last rehearsal the day of the 
performance.


J. D. Bryce