Rhapsody is a term used for a musical composition of a generally epic, heroic, or nationalistic nature. A rhapsody is not a particular musical form. It refers to musical pieces of an emotional nature, often characterized by marked changes of mood. Many rhapsodies are based on folk material. Most are instrumental compositions, but some have been written for voice. Some well-known rhapsodies of the 1800’s are the 19 Hungarian Rhapsodies by Franz Liszt and Antonín Dvorák‘s 3 Slavonic Rhapsodies. The best-known rhapsodies of the 1900’s include Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini by Sergei Rachmaninoff and Rhapsody in Blue by George Gershwin.
In ancient Greece, a rhapsody was part of an epic poem, such as Homer‘s Iliad, sung by a professional singer. In modern literature, the term has come to mean a highly emotional work.
