Favorite Schubert Impromptu

[arensky]

Vote for your favorite Impromptu, and discuss.

Mine is the c minor from Op. 90. It's incredible how Schubert takes a single idea and creates a whole world out of it, using not much more than modulation and different accompaniment patterns. And the way he uses variation techniques without actualy making variations. Extraordinary music.

[gonzalo]

I love the elegance of Op.90 #4 in Ab major

[arensky]

I love the elegance of Op.90 #4 in Ab major

This one is probably the best known and most played and therefore it gets abused in the way that all frequently played pieces do. I love it when it's elegant, but I've heard this murdered a few times. Many pianists lose the dance character and focus on the RH passagework, while the LH marks time in an uninteresting way. But when well played this one is a joy to hear. I particularly enjoy Rachmaninov's recording of it.

[arensky]

No one likes Op.142? The Bb tema con variazioni is my favorite after the c minor from Op.90. An underrated masterpiece, not played very often.

[pianistimo]

did you know schubert sold the separate imprompu's of op. 90 instead of selling them together as a sonata as he originally intended to do?  made him more money.

i don't know why, but after a while i want to bash schubert.  he was so great with vocal lines - but, the piano music is just boring after a while.  i mean, how many times can you play a syncopated rhythm exactly the same without just getting mesmerized by it and falling over.

ps i'm not myself tonight.  too much eggnog.

[phil13]

did you know schubert sold the separate imprompu's of op. 90 instead of selling them together as a sonata as he originally intended to do?  made him more money.

He sold Op.142 that way, actually.

Phil

[pianistimo]

oops.  my mistake, you're right.

also, this morning -- i'm in my schubert loving mind again.  i think if you have 'time' to listen - then schubert is great!  schumann gets to the point faster (shorter pieces) -but there is a lovliness to schubert that is hard to put into words.  he's not after virtuosity so much as 'song.'  perhaps if he had been more pianistic minded - he would have changed some of the repetition to different rhythms - but overall - if someone plays schubert interestingly - it can be very enjoyable to listen to.  i played the second impromptu (allegretto) of the op. 142 at a wedding.  the trio has a sort of lightness to it like butterflies or something. 

[mad_max2024]

Is there only one of you?

[pianistimo]

well, there could be three of me now.  i mean, what with thal making up quotations for me. but, as i've seen the remorseful thing he wrote - he is now forgiven.  temporarily.