The title "Impromptus" for the first set (D.899) was given by Schubert's publisher Tobias Haslinger, possibly after Schubert had named the second set (D.935) Impromptus.
Compositional Technique
Only Impromptu No.1 in C minor, the longest and most substantial of the first set, truly has an improvisatory nature, in keeping with the term "Impromptu."
Composer's Artistic Vision
The Impromptus, when considered together, create a musical narrative that transports the listener beyond the 19th-century drawing room.
Performer Biography
Eric Lu, the American pianist on this recording, considers the Impromptus to be among the greatest jewels in piano literature and the very essence of Schubert.
Composition History
Schubert's eight Impromptus for solo piano were completed in the latter half of 1827, the year before the composer's death at age 31.
Composer Biography
The Impromptus were written during an "astonishingly fruitful year" before Franz Schubert's death at the age of 31.
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Schubert: Impromptus
Schubert: 4 Impromptus, D. 899 (Op. 90): No. 2 in E-Flat Major. Allegro
Schubert: The Complete Impromptus - Impromptus D 899 & D 935
