Impromptu
Romantic works
Definition
A short character piece giving the impression of improvisation, typically without elaborate development or strict formal structure. The impromptu became a favourite Romantic form following Schubert and Chopin; Sibelius used the title for several of the pieces in Op.5 and as one item within Op.97.
Historical Context
An impromptu should feel spontaneous even when carefully composed. Avoid rhythmic rigidity; allow the phrasing to breathe as if the music were being invented in the moment. The improvisatory feeling comes from flexible tempos and subtly varied repetitions.
Works (30)
- Impromptu Key C major
- Fantaisie-Impromptu in C-sharp minor, Op. 66 (posth.) Key C♯ minor
- Impromptu in A-flat major, Op. 29 Key A♭ major
- Impromptu in F-sharp major, Op. 36 Key F♯ major
- Impromptu in G-flat major, Op. 51 Key G♭ major
- Impromptu in D minor (B. 129) Key D minor
- Impromptu No. 1 in E-flat major, Op. 25 Key E♭ major
- Impromptu No. 2 in F minor, Op. 31 Key F minor
- Impromptu No. 3 in A-flat major, Op. 34 Key A♭ major
- Impromptu No. 4 in D-flat major, Op. 91 Key D♭ major
- Impromptu No. 5 in F-sharp minor, Op. 102 Key F♯ minor
- Impromptu No. 6 in D-flat major, Op. 86 bis Key D♭ major
- Impromptu in E♭ minor Key E♭ minor
- Impromptu, Op. 54
- Impromptu No. 1
- Impromptu No. 2
- Impromptu (Improvisation), Op. 83
- Improvisation No. 1 Key B minor
- Improvisation No. 10
- Improvisation No. 2
- Improvisation No. 3
- Improvisation No. 4
- Improvisation No. 5
- Improvisation No. 6
- Improvisation No. 7
- Improvisation No. 8
- Improvisation No. 9
- Improvisation No. 11
- Improvisation No. 12
- Improvisation No. 13