An American in Paris
An American in Paris is a jazz-influenced symphonic poem by the American composer George Gershwin, written in 1928. Inspired by a Gershwin's visit in Paris, it evokes the sights and energy of the French capital in the 1920s, and is one of his best-known compositions. About the piece Gershwin said, "My purpose here is to portray the impression of an American visitor in Paris as he strolls about the city and listens to various street noises and absorbs the French atmosphere."
In 1951, MGM released the movie musical An American in Paris, featuring Gene Kelly and Leslie Caron. The movie featured many tunes of Gershwin, and concluded with an elaborate dance sequence built around the An American in Paris symphonic poem. The movie won the 1951 Best Picture Oscar and numerous other awards.
George Gershwin (1898 - 1937) was an American composer. He used jazz and classical styles to write popular songs, classical music, and music for theater and films. His talented brother Ira was often his lyricist.
George Gershwin's compositions have been used in numerous movies and on television, and many have become jazz standards. His Porgy and Bess (1935) is widely regarded as the most important American opera of the twentieth century.
