The two Romanian Rhapsodies, Op. 11, are Enesco’s best-known compositions. They were written in 1901, and first performed together in 1903. The two rhapsodies, and particularly the first, have long held a permanent place in the repertory of every major orchestra. They employ elements of vivid Romanian rhythms and an air of spontaneity. They exhibit exotic modal coloring, with some scales having ‘mobile’ thirds, sixths or sevenths, creating a shifting major/minor atmosphere, one of the characteristics of Romanian folk music. The two Romanian Rhapsodies were composed in Paris, and premiered together in a concert at the Romanian Athanaeum in Bucharest on 8 March 1903 (Gregorian calendar), with the composer conducting. The Second Rhapsody was played first, and Enesco maintained this order of performance throughout his life. (Edition Tierolff)