Franz Schubert

Impromptu in G flat major Op. 90,3

In his collections of Impromptus and Moments musicaux, Franz Schubert impressively showed at the end of his life how a lyrical, songlike form can be rendered on the piano. In spite of their simplicity, his popular Impromptus op. 90, for example, prove themselves to be consummate works of art, and number among the most beloved pieces of Romantic piano music. The third Impromptu of op. 90, an Andante in G-flat major, is a mysterious reverie in pianissimo. A peaceful melody hovers over a murmuring accompaniment of eighth-note triplets, while the harmonies change very gently. This Urtext edition provides the work as a separate edition in the original key. To make it easier to play, other editions often transpose it into G major, which, however, diminishes the distinctive colour of this piece.