Arthur Bliss’s Rhapsody for Soprano, Tenor, and Chamber Orchestra (F.161) was composed in 1919, early in his career when he was still exploring his unique voice. The work is a beautiful example of Bliss's ability to blend lyrical melodies with intricate orchestration. Written for soprano and tenor soloists, it features moments of both lyricism and intensity, with the singers carrying much of the emotional depth of the piece.

The composition demonstrates Bliss’s skill in writing for smaller ensembles. The chamber orchestra provides a rich backdrop to the vocal lines, with the strings and woodwinds creating lush, expressive textures. While the soloists take the forefront, their voices are seamlessly integrated with the orchestra, often interweaving with the instrumental parts to create a cohesive, dynamic sound.

As a work from Bliss’s early period, the Rhapsody exhibits some of the characteristic traits of early 20th-century music, such as lush harmonies and rich orchestration, while maintaining a sense of clarity and accessibility. Though it is not as frequently performed as some of his later works, it remains a remarkable example of Bliss’s early compositional style, full of emotional depth and expressive range.