Let’s
talk about music from Romania! Georges Enesco (1881–1955) was a virtuoso
violinist during his day, and also known for composing works that drew from his
native Romania. The talented Enesco entered conservatory at the young age of
seven. He is known primarily for his violin and piano sonatas, string quartets,
symphonies, and opera. Most famous of all, though, are his Romanian Rhapsodies, specifically the first.
The
Romanian Rhapsody #1 draws from folk
tunes, using songs and dances popular in Romania. It is thought that Enesco
also found inspiration in Liszt’s Hungarian Rhapsodies when writing this work.
Does this piece sound folksy to you?
Enesco
was not happy that his Romanian Rhapsodies became his most well-liked pieces as
he considered them to be works of his youth.
Join me next time as we wrap up our look at nationalism in music!
