Schubert's Four Impromptus, D 935, were conceived as a sequel to an earlier set of four impromptus, with both sets written in late 1827.
Composer Biography
Franz Schubert completed his Piano Sonata in A minor, D 845, in May 1825, a month before embarking on a significant holiday in Upper Austria.
Compositional Technique
Franz Liszt's transcription of Schubert's 'Ave Maria' places the vocal melody in the middle of the texture for the first stanza and doubles it in octaves for the second.
Composition History
Schubert adopted the title 'Impromptu' from the Bohemian composer Jan Václav Voříšek, who was active in Vienna and likely known to Schubert.
Recording & Production
This album was recorded using 24-bit / 96 kHz technology, which offers a dynamic range up to 48 dB greater and 256 times the resolution of standard 16-bit recordings.
Performer Biography
Barry Douglas CBE, the pianist on this album, won the Gold Medal at the 1986 Tchaikovsky International Piano Competition in Moscow.
Compositional Technique
The third movement of Schubert's Four Impromptus, D 935, features a theme with a clear connection to his music for Rosamunde and his A minor String Quartet (D 804).
