What is a famous collaboration between jazz musicians and classical composers?

Rhapsody in Blue stands out as a significant collaboration between jazz musicians and classical composers, specifically created by George Gershwin. Premiered in 1924, this groundbreaking piece blends elements of classical music with jazz, showcasing Gershwin’s ability to bridge these two worlds. The work reflects the cultural landscape of America at that time, capturing the vibrancy of jazz through classical orchestration.

The piece was initially commissioned for a jazz band, but Gershwin later orchestrated it for a full symphony orchestra, further solidifying its importance and influence. This collaboration was pivotal in legitimizing jazz as a serious art form within the classical music community and highlighted the versatility of both genres.

While the other options also represent important works in their own right, they are not examples of collaborations between jazz musicians and classical composers in the same manner as Rhapsody in Blue. For instance, The Four Seasons by Vivaldi is a set of violin concertos that strictly belongs to the Baroque period without any jazz influence. Carmen, by Georges Bizet, is a famous opera that does not integrate jazz elements, and Rite of Spring by Igor Stravinsky exemplifies early 20th-century classical music and avoids crossover with jazz styles.