rhapsody definition - Dictionary

Dictionary

rhap·so·dy [ rápsədee ] (plural rhap·so·dies)

noun

Definition:

1. enthusiastic talk: an expression of intense enthusiasm ( often used in the plural )

went into rhapsodies about the garden

2. music freeform musical composition: a composition that is often irregular in form, emotional in effect, and improvisational in nature

3. poetry ancient Greek recited poem: in ancient Greece, an epic poem recited by a professional reciter

4. literature exalted literary composition: a literary work written in an intense or exalted style

[Mid-16th century. Via Latin< Greek rhapsōdia< rhapsōidein "recite poems" < rhaptein "stitch together" + ōidē "song"]

Cultural Note


	Rhapsody in Blue, a musical composition (1924) by U.S. composer George Gershwin. Originally written for piano and jazz band, it was later rearranged for orchestra by Ferde Grofé. One of the first classical works to incorporate jazz influences such as syncopated rhythms, it was inspired by the vibrancy of contemporary urban life, particularly that of New York City.