Alfred Grünfeld, an Austrian pianist and composer, was a popular virtuoso in Viennese salons and concert halls, and was the first pianist whose playing was recorded on wax cylinders in 1889.
Compositional Technique
Schubert's Impromptus, unlike earlier examples, toy with a cyclic structure similar to a sonata, where movements are loosely related without strict formal obligations.
Historical Context
In Schubert's Vienna, dance was an immensely popular form of entertainment, with composers often commissioned to write dance music for celebrations, including 'sausage balls'.
Composition History
The title 'impromptu' for Schubert's Op. 90 was chosen by his publisher, Tobias Haslinger, not by Schubert himself.
Composer Biography
Franz Schubert, though not a virtuoso pianist, was known for his refined playing, beautiful sound, and exceptional improvisational skills at social gatherings.
Performer Biography
Gábor Farkas, the pianist on this recording, won the Grand Prix of the New York Concert Artist & Associates competition in 2015, leading to his debut at Carnegie Hall in 2016.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Franz Liszt's concert repertoire heavily featured improvisation, allowing the Romantic artist's soul to express itself directly through music created in the moment.
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