OPINION: A Christian view of the world: Rhapsody in Blue and the Bible

Likewise, many people who like pop music or jazz would probably not want to go to a concert of music by composers such as Mozart or Beethoven.

However, it is possible to merge elements of classical music and jazz within the same piece of music. Probably the best example of such a merger is Rhapsody in Blue, written by the American composer George Gershwin and premiered on this day (February 12) in 1924. It clearly contains elements of jazz and classical music.

What is really good about Rhapsody in Blue is that it appeals to a range of music lovers including those who like jazz and those who like classical music.

I have six Bibles on my bookshelf. Each one is a different English translation of the original text. One of these Bibles was presented to me when I was six or seven years old for regular attendance and good conduct at Sunday School.

The version of the Bible that I was given all those years ago was the Authorised Version, also known as the King James Version. It was published in 1611 and is full of thees and thous. So it’s no wonder that, when I was a small boy, I found it hard to read and understand. I can recall struggling with it all those years ago.

It was some years later, that I bought a translation of the Bible called The Living Bible which is still on my bookshelf. It is a paraphrase and is very easy to read. When I read it, the Bible came to life for me and I found it hard to put it down.

Some people might ask the question, “Which translation of the Bible is the ‘proper’ one?” The answer to that question is probably the original Greek version! I also have a copy of that on my bookshelf!

So just as George Gershwin had the skill to write a brilliant piece of music that contains elements of both classical music and jazz and which attracts a wide audience, it’s good that we are able to access versions of the Bible that are very different and appeal to different readers.