“To be true music it must repeat the thoughts and aspirations of the people and the time. My people are Americans. My time is today.”
George Gershwin‘s powerful declaration about musical authenticity continues to resonate decades after his death. This statement captures the essence of his artistic philosophy. Moreover, it reveals how he viewed the composer’s role in society.
Gershwin believed music should reflect its era. He argued that composers must capture contemporary spirit. Furthermore, he insisted that authentic art emerges from cultural identity. His words define a creative mission that transcends mere entertainment.
The Origins of a Musical Philosophy
Gershwin first articulated this philosophy in print during March 1927. Source The article explored his views on American music’s future. He wrote about uncertainty regarding the next decade’s musical developments.
However, Gershwin expressed certainty about one principle. True music must embody the thoughts of its people. Additionally, it must capture the aspirations of its historical moment. He then declared his identity as an American composer working in the present.
The 1927 piece contained additional insights about musical evolution. Gershwin predicted that future compositions would retain melodic elements from his era. He believed tomorrow’s music would reveal its origins through these connections. Interestingly, he suggested that derided jazz would eventually gain acceptance and possibly exaltation.
How the Quote Evolved Over Time
The exact wording of Gershwin’s statement shifted through subsequent decades. Different publications presented various phrasings of his core message. Nevertheless, the essential meaning remained consistent across versions.
A 1933 profile in The Daily Times of Davenport, Iowa offered a modified version. The newspaper maintained Gershwin’s central argument while adjusting the language. This iteration emphasized that enduring music reflects its people and times. The declaration about Americans and today stayed intact.
Bennett Cerf contributed to the quote’s evolution after Gershwin’s death in 1937. The publisher wrote a commemorative essay for The Saturday Review in 1943. His version condensed the original statement significantly. Cerf presented it as: “My people are American, my time is today. Music must repeat the thought and aspirations of the times.”
Further Transformations in Print
Cerf republished his condensed version in his 1944 book “Try and Stop Me.” This widely-read collection helped spread this particular phrasing. Consequently, many readers encountered Gershwin’s philosophy through Cerf’s interpretation.
Edward Jablonski presented another variation in 1962. The Reporter magazine published his article about Gershwin’s life and work. Jablonski stated that Gershwin aimed “to reflect the thoughts and aspirations of the people and the time.” He noted that Gershwin never explicitly defined these thoughts or aspirations.
The influential biography “The Gershwin Years” featured yet another version. Authors Edward Jablonski and Lawrence D. Stewart included an epigraph at the book’s beginning. This elliptical version attributed the quote to Gershwin in 1926. However, the documented source actually dates to 1927.
The Quote’s Cultural Impact
Gershwin’s philosophy gained widespread recognition through these various publications. His statement became a touchstone for discussions about artistic authenticity. Indeed, it influenced how musicians thought about cultural identity and creative responsibility.
The 1980 edition of “Bartlett’s Familiar Quotations” included an entry citing “The Gershwin Years.” Interestingly, this prestigious reference work introduced a textual variation. It changed “aspirations” to “inspirations.” This modification demonstrates how even authoritative sources can perpetuate alterations.
Despite these variations, Gershwin’s core message remained powerful. Musicians and scholars continued referencing his philosophy. Furthermore, his words inspired debates about what constitutes authentic American music.
Understanding Gershwin’s Artistic Vision
Gershwin’s statement reveals his commitment to cultural representation through music. He rejected the notion of music as abstract art divorced from social context. Instead, he embraced music’s role as cultural expression.
This philosophy guided his compositional choices throughout his career. Works like “Rhapsody in Blue” exemplified his approach. The piece blended classical forms with jazz elements. Consequently, it captured the energy of 1920s American urban life.
Gershwin’s vision extended beyond his own work. He believed all composers should engage with their cultural moment. Additionally, he argued that music gains authenticity through such engagement. This perspective challenged traditional European models of composition.
The American Identity in Music
Gershwin’s declaration “My people are Americans” carried significant weight. He composed during an era when American classical music struggled for legitimacy. European traditions dominated concert halls. Therefore, Gershwin’s embrace of American identity was revolutionary.
He incorporated jazz rhythms and blues harmonies into concert works. These elements reflected African American musical traditions. Moreover, they represented the diverse cultural landscape of American cities. His approach validated vernacular music as worthy of serious artistic treatment.
The phrase “My time is today” emphasized presentness and immediacy. Gershwin rejected nostalgia in favor of contemporary engagement. He believed composers must address current realities. This commitment to the present moment shaped his entire creative output.
Lessons for Contemporary Musicians
Gershwin’s philosophy remains relevant for today’s artists. Musicians still grapple with questions of authenticity and cultural identity. His words offer guidance for navigating these challenges.
Contemporary composers can learn from Gershwin’s approach. First, they should engage deeply with their cultural context. Second, they must draw inspiration from their immediate surroundings. Finally, they should embrace their identity rather than imitate others.
The evolution of Gershwin’s quote itself teaches important lessons. Words change as they pass through different voices and contexts. Nevertheless, powerful ideas persist despite textual variations. Gershwin’s core message about music and cultural identity transcends specific phrasings.
The Enduring Power of Authentic Expression
Gershwin’s philosophy speaks to universal artistic challenges. Every generation of musicians must determine how to represent their era. They must decide which cultural elements deserve musical expression. These decisions shape the artistic legacy they leave behind.
His statement also highlights music’s social function. Music doesn’t exist in isolation from society. Rather, it emerges from and speaks to specific communities. This understanding elevates music beyond mere entertainment to cultural documentation.
The various phrasings of Gershwin’s quote demonstrate how ideas evolve through retelling. Each version emphasizes different aspects of his philosophy. However, all versions preserve his fundamental belief in culturally grounded musical creation.
Conclusion
George Gershwin’s declaration about music, people, and time remains a powerful artistic credo. His words first appeared in Theatre Magazine in 1927. Since then, they have been rephrased and republished countless times. Despite these variations, his core message endures.
Gershwin believed authentic music must reflect contemporary thoughts and aspirations. He embraced his American identity and his present moment. This philosophy guided his groundbreaking compositions and influenced generations of musicians.
Today, his words continue inspiring artists who seek authentic cultural expression. They remind us that music gains power through connection to its people and time. Gershwin’s legacy proves that such culturally grounded art achieves lasting significance. His philosophy transcends his era while remaining deeply rooted in it—exactly as he believed all true music should be.