Rhapsody in Rhythm is one of several albums in
Ray Conniff's "In Rhythm" series. The very concept of the album reveals
Conniff's sense of humor and calculated middlebrow approach to music-making as he pairs the complex, linear melodies of rhapsodies with the pop and youth orientation suggested by "rhythm."
Conniff regarded
Rhapsody in Rhythm as a "tremendous step forward musically," presumably in reference to the large orchestra and chorus (over 70 members total), the elaborate arrangements and meticulous placement of instruments and voices within the stereo field.
Conniff plays the clavietta solos in "Take Me in Your Arms" and "Imagination," and contributes an original composition, "To My Love."
Rhapsody in Rhythm was a moderately successful album for
Conniff, but is one of his less breezily accessible works and is better suited to listeners with a pointed interest in his arranging skills and unique musical vision.