1. “Rhapsody in Blue” was first called: “The English Rhapsody” “The American Rhapsody”

1. Do you know that “Rhapsody In Blue” was first called “The American Rhapsody”? George Gershwin heard it as a musical kaleidoscope of America: the melting pot, the multicultured and multinational energy? The American blueses. It was first presented on the 12-th of February 1924 at the concert which was called “an experiment in modern music”. There were composers, singers, jazz stars and outstanding critics there, who dedicated themselves to serious music. The program of the concert was large, but at first the audience was boring. It was hot and stuffy in the hall. But Gershwin saved the situation. His music thrilled the audience. The bordom was dispelled immediately. The musicians changed at once. They shared their emotions sincerely, from the bottom of their hearts. After the music had stopped it was given an ovation. The success was nockouting. The critics estimated “The Rhapsody” very high. “The Rhapsody” is not only jazz. It combines features of jazz and serious music. You can hear a melody bubbling with life, full of joy and humour. But inspite of it there is lyricism and hidden dramatism, just like in a famous blues, “I’m laughing just to keep from crying.”

2. 1вариант • 1.“Rhapsody in Blue” was first called: • “The English Rhapsody” • “The American Rhapsody” • “The Russian Rhapsody” • 2. How do we call a personwho compose music? • a musician • a conductor • a composer • 3. The “Rhapsody” had a success,didn’t it? • Yes, it did. • No, it didn’t • 4. How would you translatethe word “outstanding” • выступающий вперед • выходящий • выдающийся • 5. “The melting pot” in this text means: • a saucepan • a piano • a multinational city • .

3. «О чем рассказывает его музыка? О простых людях, их радостях и горестях, об их любви, об их жизни. Вот почему его музыка по-настоящему национальна, несмотря на оригинальность и необычность форм.» Шостакович