Code-name for Apple's modern operating system, which is the interem step between OpenStep and Mac OS X. Rhapsody is based on the Mach microkernel, includes BSD Unix, uses the Yellow Box framework as its programming APIs, and has a look and feel similar to Mac OS.

In music, this term refers to a piece in one continuous movement (as opposed to a concerto or symphony, which would be written in a more strictly delineated manner). Rhapsodies generally do have themes running throughout the work and sections that are fairly distinct from each other, but these different sections are not separated into different movements as they would be in most forms of classical music. Rather, they are incorporated into a single continuous piece whose sections flow together naturally (usually).

The fact that some rhapsodies are numbered could lead one to believe that the piece actually is divided into movements, when in reality each numbered work stands alone. (i.e., Liszt's 2nd Hungarian Rhapsody stands alone as a complete work independent of the 1st Hungarian Rhapsody, where the 2nd movement of Beethoven's 5th Symphony is only a part of the whole.)

Rhapsodies are frequently based on popular, national, or folk melodies (e.g., Liszt's Hungarian Rhapsodies, Stanford's Irish Rhapsodies, George Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue, and, depending on how strictly you interpret things, Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody).

Parts of this were paraphrased from The Oxford Dictionary of Music, Revised Edition, edited by Michel Kennedy.

Do your SCA meetings need a new sountrack? Do you have fantasies about hairy-chested italian men singing about unicorns and magic swords? Do you have a good sense of humor? Then have I got the band for you!

Rhapsody is a Neo-Classical Metal band from Italy. Started by Luca Turilli in 1993, they have quickly become the premiere band of it's genre. It should be noted, however, that they refer to themselves as "Hollywood Metal" because they view all their albums as soundtracks to non-existant movies. Their style is a mix of classical music and heavy metal, with hearty doses of chorus, violin, synth, and fantasy. It's about a over the top as you can get. While it's incredibly technical, it's also a little predictable. The songs tend to built around the same progressions, but it doesn't really retract to much from any album as a whole.

The lyrical content is exceptionally silly and it coupled with the grand posturing of the music makes me giggle occasionally. However, if I don't pay attention to what I'm doing I find myself singing along and rocking the air guitar. If you do listen to them make sure nobody is around, or you'll be made fun of for a while.

Members:
Luca Turilli - Guitar
Fabio Lione - Vocals (previous band(s): Labrynth)
Alex Holzwarth - Drums (previous band(s): Paradox, Looking Glass Self)
Alex Staropoli - Keyboards
Alessandro Lotta - Bass (previous band(s): Sinesthesia)

Ex-Members:
Daniele - Drums (1993-1999)
Andrea Furland - Bass (1994)
Cristiano Adacher - Vocals (?)

Discography:
Legendary Tales - 1997
Symphony of Enchanted Lands - 1999
Dawn Of Victory - 2000 (My choice for best album)
Rain Of A Thousand Flames - 2001

If you're interested in Rhapsody, you should also check out: Hammerfall, Thy Majesty, Helloween, and Symphony X.

Rhap"so*dy (?), n.; pl. Rhapsodies (#). [F. rhapsodie, L. rhapsodia, Gr. , fr. a rhapsodist; to sew, stith together, unite + a song. See Ode.]

1.

A recitation or song of a rhapsodist; a portion of an epic poem adapted for recitation, or usually recited, at one time; hence, a division of the Iliad or the Odyssey; -- called also a book.

2.

A disconnected series of sentences or statements composed under excitement, and without dependence or natural connection; rambling composition.

"A rhapsody of words." Shak. "A rhapsody of tales."

Locke.

3. Mus.

A composition irregular in form, like an improvisation; as, Liszt's "Hungarian Rhapsodies."

 

© Webster 1913.