Schubert Four Impromptus, D 899, Op 90 (Set 1)

Classical Music / Schubert Music

Franz Schubert's Impromptus are a series of  eight pieces for solo piano composed in 1827, published in two sets of four impromptus each:

The first two pieces in this Set 1 in D 899, Op. 90 - were published in Schubert's lifetime as Op. 90.  The third and fourth pieces were published in 1857 (although the third piece was printed by the publisher in G major, instead of G-flat as Schubert had written it, and remained available only in this key for many years).

I'm sharing two interpretations from two brilliant interpreters of Schubert's music, pianists  Maria João Pires and Alfred Brendel.







Note:  The second set, D. 935, Op. 142,  was published posthumously, as Op. 142 in 1839 (with a dedication to Franz Liszt added by the publisher. Three other unnamed piano compositions (D. 946), written a few months before the composer's death, in May 1828, are also known as both "Impromptus" and Klavierstücke ("piano pieces").


Video Credit:

Alfred Brendel - Franz Schubert - Four Impromptus, D 899.  YouTube, uploaded by Classical Vault 1. Accessed March 23, 2014

Schubert - 4 Impromptus, D. 899 / Op. 90 (Maria João Pires). YouTube, uploaded by MrPalika123. Accessed March 23, 2018. 


(c)  March 23, 2014. Updated March 23, 2018. Tel Asiado. Inspired Pen Web. All rights reserved. 

Franz Schubert

Classical Music / Composers Datebook: January 31

Austrian Composer Franz Schubert (1797-1828), considered greatest melodist of all-time

Franz Peter Schubert (Jan 31, 1797 – Nov 19, 1828) was an Austrian composer, born in Lichtenthal near Vienna. He wrote some six hundred beautiful Lieder (art songs), seven symphonies including the famous "Unfinished Symphony" (No. 8), liturgical music, operas, and a large body of solo piano and chamber music. He is particularly noted for his genius in original melodic and harmonic writing. 

 

Many of his melodies sound effortless: they flow from his symphonies, string quartets, sonatas. But their natural home is in his songs - that ever famous Schubert Lieder. At the end of his life, Schubert wrote a collection of 14 songs: Schwanengesang (Swan Song), D 957, and published posthumously. 

While Schubert had a close circle of friends and associates who admired his work, wider appreciation of his music during his lifetime was limited at best. He was never able to secure adequate permanent employment, and for most of his career he relied on the support of friends and family. Interest in Schubert's work increased dramatically following his death.