LISZT had a great love for the folk-music of his native Hungary. Ho expressed this affection partly in twenty Rhapsodies, some of which ho arranged for the Orchestra. In these he takes melodies played by the Hungarian gipsies, and treats them very much as the gipsies themselves do, with elaborate ornamentations and strong, vivid rhythmic effects.
The First Rhapsody begins with a dignified section (corresponding to the Lassan of the gipsies) containing two Main Tunes. The First is in a minor key, and the Second resembles tho well-known ' Rakoczy ' March (with Berlioz's treatment of which most listeners are familiar).
Next comes a lively section in the style of the gipsies' Friska dances. The music works up in speed and brilliance, the First Main Tune occurring again, and a fourth Tune appearing before the exciting finish of the work.