Among Franz Schubert’s astounding output in his short 31-year lifetime, the two sets of Impromptus, Op. 90 and 142 have become beloved compositions due to their inspired melodic beauty and variety of inventions. The word “impromptu” suggests spontaneity, improvisation, and on-the-spot inspiration, and these qualities are present in this second set, written in the composer’s penultimate year, 1827.

 No. 1 in F minor is a rondo that alternates between dramatic resolve and a touching duet between high and low voices. No. 2 in A-flat major is a lilting “ländler” (Austrian folk waltz), with an expressive arpeggiated middle section. No. 3 in B-flat major is in the time-honored form of theme and variations, with some surprises along the way: variation 3 is in the minor key, and variation 4 is in the far away key of G-flat major, gently returning to the original key for a limpid finale. No. 4 returns to the key of F minor and provides some fitting fireworks to end this inspired set of pieces.

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