This Chandos recording uses 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.
Composition History
Schubert completed his last three piano sonatas, including the A major Sonata on this album, in September 1828, just weeks before his death.
Composer Biography
Franz Schubert, the composer, died in November 1828, likely from a mysterious infection, with his immune system weakened by six years of syphilis and its mercury treatment.
Performer Biography
Barry Douglas, the pianist on this album, won the Gold Medal at the 1986 Tchaikovsky International Piano Competition in Moscow.
Composition History
The title 'Impromptu', suggesting an improvisatory character for works like Schubert's Four Impromptus, was first used by Czech composer Jan Václav Voříšek for his works in 1817 and 1820.
Composer's Artistic Vision
The Four Impromptus, D 899, are considered prophetic of the romantic outlook due to their extended melody and consistency of texture, rather than adhering to classical norms.
Compositional Technique
Schubert's last three piano sonatas, including the A major Sonata, retain the classic four-movement design, a structure Beethoven had abandoned in his late sonatas.
You might also enjoy...
Schubert: Piano Sonata No. 16, Op. 42, D. 845 & 4 Impromptus, Op. 90, D. 899
Schubert - Klaviermusik
Schubert: Piano Sonata No. 21 / 4 Impromptus, Op. 09
Schubert: Sonata in A, D959/4 Impromptus
Schubert: Impromptus, D.935 & Piano Sonata, D.960
Schubert: Piano Sonata in B-Flat Major, D. 960 & 4 Impromptus, D. 935
Schubert: Piano Works
Ingrid Haebler plays
Inon Barnatan: Schubert Recital
Schubert: 4 Impromptus, Op. 90, D. 899 & Piano Sonata in B-Flat Major, D. 960
