Masterpiece Rhapsodies: A Curated Selection of Brilliant Rhapsodies That Illuminate Classical Music History
“Rhapsody,” translated into Japanese as “狂詩曲,” is a musical genre that expresses ethnic or lyrical content in a free form.
Legendary composers such as Johannes Brahms, Franz Liszt, and George Gershwin have each left behind rhapsodies imbued with their own unique worlds.
In this article, we carefully select and introduce masterpieces among rhapsodies that remain especially popular today and are frequently featured in concert programs.
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- Dvořák’s masterpiece. Popular classical music.
- A masterpiece by Franz Liszt. Popular classical music.
- Classical masterpieces. Recommended classical music.
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[Masterpiece Rhapsodies] A curated selection of brilliant rhapsodies that adorn the history of classical music (1–10)
Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Op. 43Sergei Rachmaninov
Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Op.
43, by the great master of the Russian Romantic era Sergei Rachmaninoff, is a work for piano and orchestra based on the final piece of 19th-century legendary violinist Niccolò Paganini’s 24 Caprices.
Its sequence of 24 varied variations—by turns passionate, virtuosic, and at times even humorous—never fails to captivate the listener.
Among them, the most famous is Variation 18, notable for its beautiful melody.
Gentle yet somehow imbued with a romantic aura, it leaves a lasting impression.
This work distills Rachmaninoff’s creativity and transcendental technique, and can truly be called one of his signature masterpieces.
Rhapsody for Alto SaxophoneAndré Waignein
The Belgian composer André Waignein was a true magician of music.
His works are free-spirited and vibrant, and the more than 600 pieces he created have been highly acclaimed both at home and abroad.
Among them, the Rhapsody for Alto Saxophone is particularly popular, frequently performed at competitions and concerts.
It is a stunning piece that fully brings out the saxophone’s allure, marked by a striking interplay between the soloist and the orchestra.
It is a masterpiece of contemporary wind music that every music lover drawn to rich tonal colors should hear—not only saxophonists who possess both technique and sensitivity.
Rhapsody in BlueGeorge Gershwin
George Gershwin’s masterpiece Rhapsody in Blue is an innovative piano concerto that magnificently fuses classical music and jazz.
It premiered on February 12, 1924, at New York’s Aeolian Hall, stunning the audience.
Gershwin spent only five weeks composing the piece, skillfully employing jazz rhythms and blue notes to capture America’s energy and the bustle of the city.
Especially striking is the opening’s smooth clarinet glissando.
It’s a classic I recommend not only to classical music fans but also to jazz lovers.
Masterpiece Rhapsodies: A curated selection of dazzling rhapsodies that color the history of classical music (11–20)
Norwegian RhapsodyÉdouard Lalo
Édouard Lalo, one of France’s foremost composers, left works across a wide range of genres throughout his life.
In particular, his chamber and orchestral music showcases his uniquely dramatic expressiveness.
Composed in 1879, the Norwegian Rhapsody is intriguing in that it draws inspiration from Norwegian folk songs.
Based on a suite for violin and orchestra written the previous year, it was further refined into a full orchestral work.
Evoking the grandeur of Norway’s natural landscapes, this captivating piece is recommended not only for those interested in classical music, but also for anyone who wants to savor the rich variety of orchestral color.
Rhapsody No. 1 for Violin and Piano, Sz. 86Bartók Béla
Rhapsody No.
1 for Violin and Piano, Sz.
86, by Béla Bartók—renowned Hungarian classical composer, pianist, and ethnomusicologist—was composed in 1928.
Dedicated to a Hungarian violinist, this virtuosic work is performed in various scorings, including violin and piano, cello and piano, and violin with orchestra.
Throughout the piece, traditional Hungarian csárdás rhythms are employed, making it a highly recommended choice for those interested in music rich in folk color or for listeners seeking something with a distinctive atmosphere.
Auvergne Rhapsody in C major, Op. 73Camille Saint-Saëns
Camille Saint-Saëns was a French composer active from the 19th to the 20th century.
From an early age he demonstrated musical talent and gained renown as a brilliant pianist and organist.
The Rhapsodie d’Auvergne in C major, Op.
73, is a work for piano and orchestra that he composed in 1884.
Based on a melody sung by a laundress and pastoral calls he heard in the mountainous Auvergne region, and written in a free form influenced by Liszt’s Hungarian Rhapsodies, the piece vividly evokes picturesque scenes with striking color.
It is a work truly worthy of the name “rhapsody,” where the dazzling sonorities of the piano merge with the opulent sound of the orchestra.
Second RhapsodyGeorge Gershwin
George Gershwin, a towering composer in American music history, is renowned for his innovative style that fused jazz, classical, and popular music.
His Second Rhapsody is an orchestral work composed in 1931, based on music he wrote for the film Delicious.
This ambitious piece seeks to capture the energy and bustle of New York City and consists of three sections: a vigorous opening, a passage infused with Latin rhythms, and a concluding section reminiscent of Rhapsody in Blue.
It’s a highly recommended piece for listeners seeking bold music unconstrained by the traditional framework of classical music.