What is the definition of...

[Spatula]

A Rhapsody and a Fantasie?

I find so far I come across these works but don't know what "theme" or motif they convey or their structure.

For example if I see something that says "Waltz", I know it's probably derived from a dance in 3/4 time.

[Brian Healey]

From what I know, a Rhapsody is supposed to a decorative display of emotion or feeling. They have a somewhat improvisatory sound, and were used largely for displays of technical virtuosity. Early rhapsodies were in ternary form, and usually had contrasting parts, but like any other musical "form", the rhapsody has changed over time as different composers have explored them. Liszt's rhapsodies, for example, are more "epic" in nature.

Fantasies are pretty similar, but different (how's that for a definition?) I think a fantasie is a formless instrumental composition, also used for technical display, and in an improvisatory style. The composer basically does whatever he/she wants, hence the name fantasie (fantasy).

[Spatula]

So in poetry speak, a fantasie is like a free form style where pretty much anything goes?

[Brian Healey]

As far as I know, yeah.

Maybe someone else could offer more specific insight, but a fantasie is supposed to sound like an improvisation, so pretty much anything goes.

[Floristan]

Here's what Webster's 1913 edition dictionary says:

Fantasia: \Fan*ta"si*a\, n. [It. See {Fancy}.] (Mus.)
A continuous composition, not divided into what are called
movements, or governed by the ordinary rules of musical
design, but in which the author's fancy roves unrestricted by
set form.

Rhapsody \Rhap"so*dy\, n.; pl. Rhapsodies. [F. rhapsodie, L.
   rhapsodia, Gr. "rapsw,di`a, fr. "rapsw,do`s a rhapsodist;
   "ra`ptein to sew, stitch together, unite + 'w,dh` 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.''

Now doesn't that just clear things up?