Vyacheslav Gryaznov’s Rhapsody in Black is a stunning and original work that blends classical and jazz influences, showcasing Gryanznov’s extraordinary skill as both a pianist and a composer. Based on themes from the Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess, Rhapsody in Black picks up the story where the opera leaves off: Bess in New York, Porgy following in her footsteps. Rhapsody in Black has been described as a modern rhapsody—free-flowing and improvisational in spirit, yet highly structured in terms of its thematic development. The title is a playful nod to the interplay between classical music and jazz, with “black” referencing the black keys of the piano, which are often the source of the rich, bluesy, and jazz-inspired passages in the work. Originally conceived as a work for two pianos, the orchestral version is paired with Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue with Gryaznov as soloist with the Vienna ORF Radio Symphony Orchestra conducted by Wayne Marshall.