George Gershwin; Vyacheslav Gryaznov - Rhapsody in Black

Information

Composer: George Gershwin; Vyacheslav Gryaznov

• Gershwin - Rhapsody in Blue
• Gryaznov - Rhapsody in Black (On Themes from Porgy and Bess)

Vyacheslav Gryaznov, piano

ORF Radio-Symphonieorchester Wien

Wayne Marshall, conductor

Date: 2026

Label: Aparté

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In Rhapsody in Black, pianist and arranger Vyacheslav Gryaznov extends the story of Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess, imagining Porgy’s journey following Bess to New York. Far from a simple arrangement, the concerto blends improvisation, big-band textures, and lyrical ballads to reinterpret Gershwin’s themes with fresh vitality. Complemented by Rhapsody in Blue, Gryaznov crafts a dynamic musical diptych that captures both narrative and atmosphere, brought to life by the Radio-Symphonieorchester Wien under Wayne Marshall, a distinguished Gershwin interpreter, resulting in a work that honors and expands the opera’s legacy with energy and nuance.

Vyacheslav Gryaznov, born in 1982, is a Russian classical pianist and acclaimed arranger, recognized for his expressive performances and inventive concert arrangements. A prize-winner in international competitions across Europe, Asia, and Russia, he has performed extensively worldwide. Gryaznov has created over 40 arrangements for piano and ensembles, establishing a reputation as one of today’s leading arrangers, and holds a publishing contract with Schott Music. His upcoming album, featuring Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue and his own Rhapsody in Black, was recorded with the ORF Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra under Wayne Marshall and will be released in March 2026. He also founded the PianoFete festival and developed GPhil, a virtual orchestra platform enabling global live performances.