An American in Paris

Inspired by the time that Gershwin spent in Paris, this jazz-influenced symphonic poem (or tone poem) evokes the sights and energy of the postwar French capital during the Années folles, the "crazy times" of the 1920s. Originally set for the standard instruments of the symphony orchestra plus celesta, saxophones, and automobile horns, this setting for symphonic band has been skillfully arranged and orchestrated to capture the original Gershwin creation and make it performable by today's symphonic bands.