rhapsodies

A rhapsody is a free-form musical composition, usually for orchestra or piano, that is episodic in nature and features a range of highly contrasted moods, colours, and textures. The term was originally used in ancient Greece for a section of an epic poem that was recited by a rhapsode.

In classical music, the term rhapsody gained prominence in the 19th century. Composers often used a rhapsodic style to express nationalistic sentiments, drawing inspiration from folk melodies and dances. Franz Liszt's Hungarian Rhapsodies are prime examples of this, characterized by their virtuosic demands and incorporation of Hungarian folk music. Johannes Brahms also composed notable rhapsodies for piano, such as his Op. 79. Sergei Rachmaninoff's Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini is another famous work that blends rhapsodic freedom with a clear thematic structure.

The defining characteristic of a rhapsody is its improvisatory feel, though it is a carefully constructed piece. It typically lacks a strict formal structure like sonata form, instead flowing through a series of musical ideas and emotional states. This allows the composer considerable freedom to explore a variety of musical ideas without being bound by conventional development. The overall impression is often one of impassioned expression and dramatic contrasts.