Enesco's Romanian Rhapsodies for orchestra owe much of their existence to Liszt's Hungarian Rhapsodies, which predate Enesco's by about 50 years. The term "rhapsody" in the context of a musical composition likely originates with Liszt and promises music that sounds wild and improvisatory. Enesco's Rhapsody No. 1 surely makes good on this promise, providing electrifying tune after tune all with an air of spontaneity and a frenzied finale. A celebrated composer, virtuoso violinist, and conductor, Enesco was the foremost Romanian musical figure of his generation. Naturally, many Romanian folk elements contributed to his musical language and development as a composer. Enesco's busy performing career and extreme perfectionism led to a very small musical output of only 33 published works, but of those many stand out for their musical freshness and technical skill.

- Composer John Glover is the Los Angeles Philharmonic's Publications Assistant.

07/07