"Rhapsody no. 2 in C minor" (Pietro Frosini) technically perfect recording by John Molinari

A "rhapsody" is similar to a 'fantasy' which is a spontaneously composed work that has no formal structure. It consists of only one movement & has a free-flowing structure full of contrasting moods, colour & tonality which Franz Liszt made popular in the 19th century. As a popular vaudeville performer, Pietro Frosini composed very few serious works like this one. Most of his 200 works were light & folkish in character & his three Rhapsodies are of a more serious & grander scale. The very opening statement of this work with its tragic sonority is obviously patterned after Beethoven's Sonata no. 8 the 'Pathetique' & is in the same key of C minor.
The darker character of this beautiful work may have been result of the death of his beloved wife which he had difficulty getting over. Of course, you can't ask for a better performer of any major accordion composition than the great John Molinari who's lively personality renders his performances happy & energetic.