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.
- Brahms's masterpieces. Popular classical music.
- A masterpiece by Jean-Philippe Rameau. Popular classical music.
- Cool classical masterpieces. Recommended classical music.
- Dvořák’s masterpiece. Popular classical music.
- A masterpiece by Franz Liszt. Popular classical music.
- Classical masterpieces. Recommended classical music.
- [Masterpiece Classics] A special showcase of gem-like masterpieces so beautiful they’ll move you to tears
- [Classical Music] A carefully curated selection of masterpieces born in the pivotal era that bridged the Baroque and Romantic periods
- Rachmaninoff’s masterpieces. Recommended pieces by Rachmaninoff.
- Masterpieces of the Romantic Era: A sweeping introduction to soul-stirring, celebrated gems!
- Classical Masterpieces: Recommended Works You Should Hear at Least Once
- [Orchestra] Introducing famous and popular pieces
- Masterpieces of the bolero. Recommended popular pieces in bolero form and outstanding performances.
Masterpiece Rhapsodies: A curated selection of dazzling rhapsodies that color the history of classical music (11–20)
Rhapsody for OrchestraToyama Yuzo
Rhapsody for Orchestra, a shining gem in the history of classical music.
Composed in 1960 by Yuzo Toyama, the piece is interwoven with a host of folk songs every Japanese person knows, creating a singular sound world.
With effective use of percussion such as taiko drums and chanchiki, it unfolds brilliantly in a three-part fast–slow–fast form, all within a brief seven minutes.
Reviving ancient Japanese melodies for the modern era, this work is a masterpiece that deserves to be heard not only by classical music fans but also by wind band enthusiasts.
In conclusion
Did you enjoy that masterpiece of a rhapsody—ethnic, lyrical, and passionately expressive? There are many more works titled “Rhapsody” beyond the ones introduced this time.
If you’re interested, please try comparing different rhapsodies by various composers.