Rhapsodies!

By Frank Byrne

Published January 27, 2021 at 2:27 PM CST

This week we have a program of orchestral rhapsodies–exciting showpieces by Rachmaninoff, Enesco, Delius, and Liszt. Our first rhapsody features the piano and the final one was originally composed for piano, later being adapted for orchestra. Chances are you’ll hear music that sounds very familiar, and we have dynamic performances full of folk rhythms and real excitement.

Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Op. 23, Sergei Rachmaninov
Claudio Abbado and the Mahler Chamber Orchestra with violinist Yuja Wang

Romanian Rhapsody No. 1, George Enescu
Antal Doráti and the London Symphony Orchestra

Dance Rhapsody No. 2, Frederick Delius
Sir Thomas Beecham and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2, Franz Liszt
Leopold Stokowski and the RCA Victor Symphony Orchestra