George Gershwin (1898-1937) is an icon of American popular music, and is considered one of the greatest and most versatile composers of all time.
Gershwin's work is characterized by the composition of symphonic music and jazz rhythms of the time with easily assimilated melodies. The piano was his instrument and central element of all his creations. Among his instrumental works are Rhapsody in Blue (1924), Concert in F (1925) and Second Rhapsody (1931), composed for piano solo. An American in Paris was composed in 1928 during Gershwin's move to Europe, where he met Igor F. Stravinsky, and was screened with Gene Kelly as the protagonist, becoming one of his best-known works. Gershwin composed several soundtracks for Hollywood musicals and movies, of which he performed approximately 500 songs. Ira, Gershwin's older brother, wrote much of the lyrics to his melodies, such as I Got Rhythm, Embraceable You and Summertime, played by numerous jazz musicians.
The most unique feature of “The Ninth” was that Beethoven included chorus and vocal soloists in the final movement. He was the first major composer to do this in a symphony.
The lyric "oh girl" is probably the most cliche line ever... unless you're Dave Matthews. Instead of "You know I'd never mean to hurt you" you could have simply stated "you know that I'd never hurt you."
