complete recital program - George Mason University School of Music

Program notes
Franz Schubert (1797-1828)
Impromptu Op. 90 No. 3
Schubert was born in Himmelpfortgrund, Vienna on January 31, 1797.
Even though he died at a very young age, Schubert was a prolific composer,
writing nine symphonies, operas, liturgical music, some incidental
music, chamber music, piano music, and some 600 Lieder (German
song.)
Schubert’s Impromptus, published in two sets of four, were written
in 1827. The first set was published while he was living; the second
was published shortly after his death in November 1828. The third
Impromptu, in the key of G-flat major, is a prime example of Schubert’s
incredible melodic gift.
“The broad melody, above an unbroken accompaniment of
arpeggios, moves at a slow and steady pace. It is a perfect image
of peaceful contentment. The left hand, throughout much of the
piece, provides a firm harmonic support to the arpeggios and
melody above, creating a rich and full sound. The middle sec
tion becomes more harmonically adventurous and moves through
several modulations. The bass, as well, also becomes somewhat
more lively with a rising triplet motif and occasional trill.
However, the repressed vigor is soon abandoned as the opening
section returns, rounding out the tripartite form of the piece.”
-Joseph DuBose
Sources:
DuBose, Joseph. “Impromptu Op. 90 No. 3 in G-flat Major, D. 899 | Peter Maxwell Land
| Piano Music | Free Classical Music Online.” Classical Connect - Free Classical Music
Online. Web. 19 Apr. 2011.
.
Heitor Villa Villa-Lobos (1887-1959)
Bachianas Brasileiras No. 5 (Aria Cantilena)
The Bachianas Brasileiras constitute a series of nine suites by the Brazilian
composer Heitor Villa Lobos. They exemplify Villa Lobos’ style, a
fusion between Brazilian folk and popular music and elements from the
European classical tradition. The Bachianas are viewed as an attempt to
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