Why exactly is composer George Enescu apoplectic? Because, still, 66 years after his death, all we ever hear is his Romanian Rhapsody No. 1.

Enescu (1881-1955), arguably Romania’s greatest musical export, was a child prodigy who excelled also as a violinist, a pianist, a conductor, and a teacher. At the age of seven, he became the youngest student ever to be admitted to the Vienna Conservatory. He graduated before his 13th birthday. From there, he went to Paris and embarked on a charmed career with too many highlights to detail here. Pablo Casals, described him as “the greatest musical phenomenon since Mozart.”

He composed his biggest hit, the Romanian Rhapsody No. 1 (1901), at the age of 19. So popular did it prove that it became a kind of millstone to Enescu. People didn’t want to hear anything else. They still don’t!

On Enescu’s birthday, give the gift of an open mind and take a few minutes to sample some of his other music!

A lovely piece for a summer’s day, the Decet for Winds (1906)

A live performance of Enescu’s first published piece, the “Romanian Poem” (1898), written when he was only 16:

Concert Overture on Popular Romanian Themes (1948)

Enescu plays his own Violin Sonata No. 3 (1926), with legendary Romanian pianist Dinu Lipatti:

Lipatti plays Enescu’s Piano Sonata No. 3 (1933-35)

Symphonie Concertante for Cello and Orchestra (1901)

The visionary Symphony No. 3, with choral finale (1916-18; rev. 1921-51)