About the Work

This is an original work for two pianos. As the title suggests, it incorporates jazz idioms in a way that is accessible to learners, consciously referencing Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue." The original title, "Blues Concerto “in C”," likely echoes Gershwin's Concerto in F. Furthermore, it is lavishly crafted with a touch of romanticism reminiscent of Rachmaninoff's concertos and Addinsell's "Warsaw Concerto," making it perfectly suited for stage performance.

It begins in C major, 4/4 time, Maestoso, leading into the main section at Allegro moderato. Although it is a single-movement work, it is rich in variety, including a slow movement-like section and a cadenza for Piano I solo. The level is approachable, roughly equivalent to the first half of Czerny 40, and the balance between both parts is excellent. Learners attempting "Rhapsody in Blue" or "I Got Rhythm" directly might find them too challenging. Starting with this work and gradually mastering jazz techniques may seem like a roundabout way, but it will ultimately prove to be the quickest path.

Dedicated to Ingrid Clarfield and Lillian Livingston. Both dedicatees are pianists and educators who, as Clarfield & Livingston, continuously held two-piano recitals from 1976 to 2007. Including the composer, they are individuals who have established a firm foothold in the highly competitive American piano education scene through persistent practice and strong pedagogical skills. Since its publication, this work has been widely embraced by learners in the United States. In response to the positive reception of this work, a simpler sequel, "Little Blues Concerto," was published in 2015.