Ernő Dohnányi - Rhapsody No.1, Op.11 (Nyiregyházi)

Ernő Dohnányi (1877 - 1960)
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Rhapsody No.1, Op.11 (1903)
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Ervin Nyiregyházi (1903 - 1987)
Recorded in 1978

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Ernő Dohnányi's Rhapsody No.1, Op.11, is a Rhapsody for solo piano, it is the first among a set of four Rhapsodies written in the year 1903.

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The Rhapsody No.1 follows the traditional rhapsodic form, characterized by its free-flowing and improvisatory style. The piece is through-composed, meaning it doesn't adhere to standard classical forms like sonata-allegro or ternary structure. Instead, Dohnányi takes the listener on a musical journey through a series of contrasting themes and moods.

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Rhapsody No.1 opens with the the left hand introducing a arpeggio, while the right hand provides a strong and commanding chord melody.
A short motif makes a brief appearance, foreshadowing its use in the 3rd section.

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In the second section, the roles of the hands switch. The left hand takes the lead, playing a beautiful and expressive melody, accompanied by the right hand. As the second theme progresses and gains complexity, motifs of the first theme reappear, albeit briefly.
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In the third section, a new motif derived from the first theme resurfaces, intertwining with a repetitive and jumpy right hand. As the roles switch, the left hand now commands a strong and violent octave melody in the bass, while the right hand provides an energetic accompaniment. The arpeggio theme from the beginning reappears, but only for a fleeting moment, making its final appearance in the piece.

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Following this, the second theme returns, now residing in the right hand with a left hand arpeggio accompaniment. As the piece progresses, the hands switch roles once more, with the melody now residing in the left hand. The right hand takes on a gloryous arpeggio accompaniment, creating a grand and majestic atmosphere.

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As the reprise of the second theme reaches its quiet conclusion, the third section resurfaces, more forceful and intense than ever before. The piece concludes with a sense of anguish and annihilation, leaving the listener immersed in a world of pain and emotional turmoil.

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Dohnányi himself recorded Rhapsody No.1, along with its three companion pieces, around the year 1950. This recording stands as a remarkable feat, making him one of the few Romantic composers who documented their own works, preserving his interpretations for posterity.