Classical Music/Schubert Impromptu

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Expert: - 8/8/2007


Question
Hello,
My question is about the Op.142 No.3 Impromptu of Schubert. It's a theme with variations, so why Schubert called this "Impromptu"?
Thank you very much!

Answer
It has to do with the style/mood rather than the musical form.   The title implies that this is a little ditty that the composer riffed off spontaneously and unplanned, possibly improvised.  Of course, this is not the case, tho Schubert was (is, in the opinion of some) the greatest melodist ever.  

I think it's a toss-up btw him and Mozart, but I think Schubert has more "melodic" melodies, whereas Mozart's are often a "result" of the harmonic progression.  Reputedly, Salieri, his composition teacher, told him, "Franz, you have too many melodies."  Implication, perhaps, that he needed to develop them more thoroughly before going to a different one but had so many of them anxious to emerge that he just didn't do it.  I find nothing "too many melodies" about his work, however.

If you do not know these works, I suggest that you buy a CD.  They are truly splendid.  In my opinion, they are his best piano works.

mb

PS.  Mozart is my favorite composer, lest you think I was taking a swat at him!  

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I have a PhD in musicology, with expertise in medieval - Renaissance - Baroque - Classical periods, but I'll try to help you with any period.

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