A title cover sheet for George Gershwin’s iconic "Rhapsody In Blue," signed and dated by the composer himself. This piano solo edition, published by HARMS T.B. HARMS COMPANY NEW YORK, features the formal dedication to the legendary bandleader Paul Whiteman, who commissioned the work and led its historic 1924 premiere. The cover is personally inscribed by Gershwin with the date "april 2, 1930," transforming a standard publisher’s sheet into a singular, authenticated artifact from the composer's hand.
This cover sheet dates to the early 1930s, a period when "Rhapsody in Blue" had already cemented its place as a cornerstone of American orchestral repertoire. Gershwin's personal authentication of this specific Harms edition during this era offers a tangible connection to the piece's enduring legacy, which created a new musical form and proved a stimulating influence on both jazz and classical music. The item is accompanied by a comprehensive letter of provenance from Yeshiva Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch, affirming its clear ownership history and secure custodianship from 2004-2013.
This is a rare opportunity to acquire a piece of Gershwiniana that bridges the composer's hand with the commercial publication of his most famous work. The combination of Gershwin's signature, the precise 1930 date, and the dedication to Paul Whiteman makes this cover sheet a highly desirable collectible for the serious autograph collector or music historian. It stands as a testament to the enduring popularity of "Rhapsody in Blue," a work whose popularity has been equaled by few other compositions of the period.