'I Got Rhythm' Variations

George Gershwin

ModernFamoustheme-and-variationsAndante4/4~8 min
H8
Henle (estimated)
RCM 10ABRSM 8

About this piece

George Gershwin's virtuosic treatment of his own song is a landmark of American 20th-century piano literature. It is distinctive for its fusion of classical variation form with syncopated, idiomatic jazz rhythms.

Teacher notes

Mastering the cross-rhythms and the specific syncopated articulation of the jazz style is the central difficulty.

Technical focus

polyrhythmspeed-agilitydramatic-contrast

Mood

energeticbrilliantplayful

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Free sheet music on IMSLP

Pieces similar to 'I Got Rhythm' Variations

Comparable difficulty and character — good candidates for what to learn next.

Browse all Henle level 8 pieces (Concert) →

Frequently asked questions

How hard is 'I Got Rhythm' Variations by George Gershwin?

'I Got Rhythm' Variations is rated Henle level 8 of 9 — concert repertoire, roughly diploma level. In the RCM system it corresponds to about level 10.

What level do I need to play 'I Got Rhythm' Variations?

You should be comfortable at Henle level 8 — meaning you can already play level 7–8 pieces cleanly. Learning it one level early is possible as a stretch piece, but more than that usually leads to months of frustration.

How long is 'I Got Rhythm' Variations?

A typical performance of 'I Got Rhythm' Variations lasts about 8 minutes.

Where can I get free sheet music for 'I Got Rhythm' Variations?

'I Got Rhythm' Variations is available as free public-domain sheet music on IMSLP — the score is linked directly from this page.

What pieces are similar to 'I Got Rhythm' Variations?

Pieces at a comparable difficulty and character include Rhapsody in Blue (Solo Piano) by George Gershwin, Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2 in C-sharp minor by Franz Liszt, Rondo a capriccio in G major by Ludwig van Beethoven — see the full similar-pieces list on this page.