Rhapsody In Blue/American In Paris Question

Cafe Society
1

I own several Geo. Gershwin CD’s and almost every one I have pairs “Rhapsody In Blue” with “American In Paris.” Does anyone here know why?

Thanks!

2

I always assumed it dated back to records. A Gershwin EP album would fit RiB on one side and AiP on the other quite nicely (the latter’s a little longer, but they’re in the same ballpark). I figured it’s an artifact from that era, although the fact that they are the most famous of his orchestral compositions makes them an obvious choice for pairing, too.

3

My WAG.

They are his two most popular classical style pieces and they conveniently took up 1 side each on the old vinyl albums.

4

Both answers work for me! Thanks.