George Gershwin Popular Song Rankings [2026]

Second RhapsodyGeorge Gershwin22rank/position

Gershwin – Second Rhapsody | Wayne Marshall | WDR Funkhausorchester

George Gershwin’s Second Rhapsody is an ambitious work set in New York of its time, portraying the city’s bustle and vitality.

At its premiere—where Gershwin himself performed the solo part—its innovative style, attempting a fusion of classical music and jazz, drew considerable attention.

The piece is characterized by a varied structure: it opens with a cheerful trumpet theme, moves into a sentimental violin melody, and then returns to a powerful rhythmic drive.

The unique rhythms that evoke Latin music are also striking.

With its many shifting moods, this piece can be said to fully showcase the piano’s allure.

Prelude No. 1 (Three Preludes)George Gershwin23rank/position

Prelude No. 1 (Gershwin) – Gershwin: Prelude No. 1 – Three Preludes – pianomaedaful

This is a solo piano piece composed in 1926 by George Gershwin, a master of American music.

Despite its short duration of about a minute and a half, it leaves a strong impression with its powerful rhythms and vivid harmonies.

Its innovative musicality, incorporating elements of jazz and blues, drew attention as a new sound that transcended the boundaries of classical music at the time.

Brimming with the uniquely American quality characteristic of Gershwin, this work is perfect when you want to perform “just a little more” at a piano recital or concert.

If you’re looking for a cool classical piece that packs the composer’s flair into a short span, this one comes highly recommended.

Rhapsody in BlueGeorge Gershwin24rank/position

Rhapsody in Blue / George Gershwin (arr. by Kinichi Nakamura)

The saxophone quartet version of Rhapsody in Blue is truly beautiful, offering a different kind of enjoyment than hearing it with an orchestra.

It may take some time before we can bring the piece to this level, but how about first practicing just the opening of the famous phrase as a short solo for self-introduction?

Variations on an Original Theme: “I Got Rhythm”George Gershwin25rank/position

George Gershwin – Variations on the theme of “I Got Rhythm” (audio + sheet music)

By fusing jazz and classical music, George Gershwin opened new horizons in American music.

Variations on “I Got Rhythm” (An American in Paris) is a work that fully showcases his imagination and creativity, using one of his signature songs as its theme.

The many variations, which incorporate a wide range of musical styles, brim with an appeal that never lets the listener grow weary.

The interplay between piano and orchestra seems to paint the cityscape of New York in sound.

This piece is one I would recommend to every music fan who wants to savor the very essence of Gershwin’s art.

my boyfriendGeorge Gershwin26rank/position

My Boyfriend (Gershwin) The Man I Love (Gershwin)

Beautifully crafted by George Gershwin, a legendary composer in American music history, “My Man’s Gone Now” is a piece that portrays the feelings of a woman crushed by sorrow and loneliness.

Alongside its deep emotion, its cleansing, beautiful melody and harmony resound throughout.

The piano arrangement superbly captures the atmosphere of the original, allowing you to savor his distinctive style that skillfully weaves in elements of jazz and popular music.

It’s a masterpiece that advanced players will especially want to perform.

S’WonderfulGeorge Gershwin27rank/position

George Gershwin – ‘S Wonderful (Piano Solo)

“’S Wonderful,” a masterpiece by George Gershwin—one of the 20th century’s most iconic composers who revolutionized American music—was born from his collaboration with his brother, Ira.

Noted for its elegant melody and romantic lyrics, the song premiered in the Broadway musical “Funny Face” and quickly became a hit.

In it, the protagonist sings heartfelt thanks to a lover, conveying the message that life shines brightly in the presence of someone you love.

As you enjoy the refined sound that beautifully fuses jazz and classical elements, why not let yourself be carried away by its sparkling, exhilarating harmonies?