rhapsody
n. countablen. a piece of music or writing that is full of strong feelings and does not follow a strict pattern. It often feels very free and exciting.
n. an instrumental composition of irregular form that is often improvisational in character and expresses powerful emotion. In a literary context, refers to an effusive expression of feeling or a portion of an epic poem.
The pianist played a beautiful rhapsody.
The composer's latest rhapsody blends traditional folk melodies with modern orchestral arrangements in a surprisingly fluid way.
The critic's review was less of a formal analysis and more of a breathless rhapsody, praising the lead actor's performance with an intensity that bordered on the hyperbolic.
The noun is derived from Latin rhapsōdia (“part of an epic poem suitable for uninterrupted recitation”), from Koine Greek ῥαψῳδία (rhapsōidía, “part of an epic poem suitable for uninterrupted recitation; rigmarole”), Ancient Greek ῥαψῳδία (rhapsōidía, “composition or recitation of Epic poetry”), from ῥαψῳδός (rhapsōidós, “composer or performer of Epic poetry”) + -ῐ́ᾱ (-ĭ́ā, suffix forming feminine abstract nouns). Ῥαψῳδός (Rhapsōidós) is derived from ῥᾰ́πτω (rhắptō, “to sew”) (possibly from Proto-Indo-European werb- (“to bend; to turn”)) + ᾠδή (ōidḗ, “ode; song”) (ultimately from Proto-Hellenic awoidā́ (“song”)) + -ος (-os, suffix forming o-grade action nouns). Sense 2.2 (“instrumental composition of irregular form”) probably developed from sense 2.1 (“exaggeratedly enthusiastic or exalted expression of feeling in speech or writing”), and both of these senses may have been influenced by rapture (“extreme excitement, happiness, or pleasure”), the latter being a quality associated with the senses. Sense 2.3 (“literary composition consisting of miscellaneous works”) is borrowed from Middle French rhapsodie (modern French rhapsodie), from Latin rhapsōdia: see above. The verb is derived from the noun. Cognates * French rhapsodie (“instrumental composition of irregular form”) * German Rhapsodie (“instrumental composition of irregular form”)
Often used in the titles of musical works; can also describe highly emotional speech or writing.