Weber's "Invitation to the Dance" is a program piece that depicts a narrative: the dancer's approach, the lady's hesitation, the man's insistence, their dance, his thanks, her reply, and their parting.
Composer Biography
Carl Maria von Weber (1786-1826), a cousin of Mozart's wife Constanze, was a skilled pianist who became renowned as the creator of the first German Romantic opera, "Der Freischuetz," and as an orchestral conductor.
Composer Biography
Franz Schubert (1799-1828), the only native Viennese among the great classical composers, lived a short life entertaining friends with his music, never holding an official musical position.
Performer Biography
The Hungarian pianist Balazs Szokolay, born in 1961 to two pianists, studied in Budapest and Munich before becoming a soloist with the Hungarian State Orchestra.
Composition History
Schubert's G flat major Impromptu was published about 30 years after his death, with its title likely chosen by the publisher, who also transposed it to G major for amateur pianists.
Composer Biography
Franz Liszt (1811-1886), a Hungarian-born pianist, earned a reputation as the greatest pianist of his era and was regarded as a national hero in Hungary.
Historical Context
By the time of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791), the pianoforte, or fortepiano, was gaining immense popularity, leading to a growing market for piano music and lessons.
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