Schubert: 4 Impromptus, D. 899 & 6 Moments musicaux

Featuring

Alexandre Tharaud
Franz Schubert

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Composition History

Only the first two of Schubert's eight Impromptus were published during his lifetime in December 1827 by Viennese publisher Tobias Haslinger, and they did not sell well.

Composer's Artistic Vision

Robert Schumann, a great admirer of Schubert, believed that Schubert's music was unique in its psychological progression of ideas and logical leaps, using music sheets like a personal diary.

Compositional Technique

In Schubert's Impromptus D899, the 'background' elements become central, particularly in the first Impromptu in C minor, where a single theme is illuminated by accompanying phenomena like flowing triplets and insistent beats.

Composition History

The title 'Impromptus' for Schubert's works was suggested by his publisher Haslinger, but the idea was not original, as Czech composer Jan Václav Vorˇíšek had published Impromptus in Vienna in 1822.

Interpretation

When Alexandre Tharaud plays excerpts from Schubert's incidental music for Rosamunde, Princess of Cyprus, the listener hears an imaginary sonata or newly discovered impromptus, transcending the original dramatic context.

Composer Biography

Franz Schubert's playing was characterized by a beautiful touch, calm hands, and clear, neat playing filled with wit and emotion, according to Albert Stadler.