Schubert: Four impromptus

Franz Schubert’s Impromptus, Opus 90, were composed in 1827, the year before the composer’s death at the age of 31. This record juxtaposes these limpid, yet emotionally complex piano pieces with companion interludes by three Irish composers. Simon O’Connor’s Self portrait lovingly traces back over the shapes of the first impromptu, whilst at the same time interpolating strokes that are more typical of his own style. Was du mir warst (“what you were to me”) by Benedict Schlepper-Connolly takes its title from a letter that Schubert wrote in his final days. Rhapsodic and intimate, the music is constantly reflecting back on itself, yet always tumbling forward.