Mariss Jansons, the conductor on this recording, studied violin, piano, and conducting at the Leningrad Conservatory and with Hans Swarowsky and Herbert von Karajan.
Compositional Technique
The ancient Greek word 'rhapsodos' (rhapsode) is composed of 'rhaptein' (to sew or mend) and 'odein' (to sing), meaning a rhapsode 'sewed together' different songs and epic tales.
Historical Context
In ancient Greece, rhapsodes like Homer recited epics, using a staff and sometimes a lyre to emphasize moments of tension, and were seen by the Renaissance as the first singing actors.
Historical Context
The 19th century was the era of both the rhapsody and nationalities, with the two principles being almost synchronous, as noted by philosopher Vladimir Jankélévitch.
Composer Biography
Franz Liszt played a pioneering role in the rhapsody's development by quoting and paraphrasing folk melodies, often indicating their origin in the title, such as with his Hungarian Rhapsodies.
Performer Biography
Denis Matsuev, the pianist on this recording, won the 11th International Tchaikovsky Competition in Moscow in 1998 and is now a highly sought-after musician.
Composer's Artistic Vision
The rhapsody, characterized by a disjointed succession of episodes, offered composers after Beethoven new experimental freedoms, as Beethoven had already exhausted traditional genres.
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