Enescu - Romanian Rhapsody No. 1 in A major, Op. 11 (Transcribed for Cello and Piano)

George Enescu’s two Romanian Rhapsodies, Op. 11, for orchestra are his best-known compositions. Written in 1901 and first performed together in 1903, the rhapsodies, especially the first, have long held a permanent place in the repertoire of major orchestras. They draw on elements of lăutărească music, vivid Romanian rhythms, and an air of brilliant spontaneity.

The First Romanian Rhapsody is ebullient and outgoing. It begins by quoting the folk song “Am un leu şi vreau să-l beau,” a tune played by the Romani violinist Lae Chioru, also known as Nicolae Filip, from whom Enescu received his first violin lessons at the age of four. This opening tune soon gives way to a slower melody, first introduced in the violins. As the work progresses, this melody becomes faster and livelier, culminating in a vibrant, whirling folk dance that draws heavily on “Ciocârlia” (“The Skylark”), a folk tune often associated with the Romani composer Angheluș Dinicu.

This arrangement takes liberties with Enescu’s rhapsody and is therefore called an Improvisation. In many passages, the piano evokes the sound and role of the cimbalom, adding to the work’s folk-inspired brilliance and color.

This piece makes an exciting ending to a recital program.

ASTA level: 4