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Romantic · impromptu

Impromptu in c-moll

Franz Schubert · Level 9, estimated · With Maestro

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The short answer

An Impromptu published during Schubert's lifetime. Impromptu in c-moll is an impromptu by Franz Schubert from the Romantic era. PlayPiano puts it at Level 9, an estimate.

On this page
  • impromptu
  • Romantic
  • grand
  • stormy
  • voicing

Also known as D. 899 No. 1; Op. 90 No. 1.

History

Schubert wrote the D. 899 Impromptus in 1827. The first two appeared with Tobias Haslinger in December that year, while the remaining two reached print roughly thirty years later. This No. 1 therefore belongs to the lifetime-published part of a collection whose publication was spread across decades.

Sources

What to listen for

  1. An opening call

    A long G octave with a fermata opens the piece before a quiet dotted figure begins. Give the held sound room, then hear the small figure as the start of a new gesture.

  2. A tune with speech-like rhythm

    Repeated D notes and dotted figures shape the first melodic line. Keep the short articulations clear while letting the slurred gestures connect into a phrase.

  3. The tune gains weight

    The opening idea returns with fuller chords in the upper part. Bring out the top notes of those chords so the melodic shape remains clear as the texture becomes richer.

  4. A new flowing texture

    The lower part changes into groups of triplet eighth notes. Keep the groups even and subordinate to the upper line; the change in accompaniment should feel like a new texture, not a rush in tempo.

How to practise it

Keep the opening held octave distinct from later dotted gestures.

  1. Practise the long octave release into the small approach without rushing the whole phrase.
  2. Practise the three D attacks with consistent light touch, then connect the dotted pair.
  3. Connect the stated opening gestures at a comfortable tempo, keeping their distinct releases.

How hard is it

Level 9, estimated

The proposed advanced target reflects sustained control across a substantial impromptu, including changes of texture and phrase character rather than one familiar theme.

About this piece

Interpretive sketch of Franz Schubert, an illustration and not a verified likeness
An illustration, not a portrait
Licence
Public Domain
Source
mutopiaproject.org

More by Franz Schubert

  1. German Dance in A-flat major, D. 365 No. 1Level 3, estimatedWith Maestro
  2. Moments Musicaux No. 3 in F MinorLevel 5, estimatedWith Maestro
  3. Impromptu No. 4 in F minor, D. 935 (Op. 142)Level 9, estimatedWith Maestro

With Maestro

Play it, slow it down, hear where you land

Keep the opening held octave distinct from later dotted gestures.

Practise it in PlayPiano