Rhapsody:
"an epic poem adapted for recitation" [wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn]
"A rhapsody in music is a one-movement work that is episodic yet integrated, free-flowing in structure, featuring a range of highly contrasted moods, colour and tonality. An air of spontaneous inspiration and a sense of improvisation make it freer in form than a set of variations. ..." [en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhapsody_(music)]
I agree ... this is one of the greatest songs. It has an range of emotion, is uplifting and moving, and stunning in its complexity.
I think Leopea's comments are right on -- it uses that image of soviet oppression to embrace and celebrate the indomitable human spirit. The way it does it -- through a musical rhapsody -- reminds us that life is also "episodic yet integrated."
Rhapsody: "an epic poem adapted for recitation" [wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn] "A rhapsody in music is a one-movement work that is episodic yet integrated, free-flowing in structure, featuring a range of highly contrasted moods, colour and tonality. An air of spontaneous inspiration and a sense of improvisation make it freer in form than a set of variations. ..." [en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhapsody_(music)]
I agree ... this is one of the greatest songs. It has an range of emotion, is uplifting and moving, and stunning in its complexity.
I think Leopea's comments are right on -- it uses that image of soviet oppression to embrace and celebrate the indomitable human spirit. The way it does it -- through a musical rhapsody -- reminds us that life is also "episodic yet integrated."