The Four Impromptus, D.899, Op.90 and the Moments Musicaux, D.780, Op.94 are essential pieces in Franz Schubert's abundant piano output. There are no rarities or forgotten nuggets in Alexandre Tharaud's new recording on Erato, but rather a return to the roots of what characterises the music of the Viennese composer: lightness and spontaneity. The titles "Impromptus" and "Moments Musicaux" do not deceive the ear: Schubert knew better than any of his contemporaries how to seize the fleetingness of a moment and how to capture it in short pieces with a partially improvised feel. It was perhaps Robert Schumann who best described the music of his eldest son: "What is for everyone the diary in which one writes down one's fleeting feelings and other thoughts, was for Schubert the sheet of music paper.
In addition to this programme, is a transcription for solo piano of the incidental music Rosamunde, Op. 26, D 797, written to accompany Helmina von Chézy's play Rosamunde, Princess of Cyprus. The dramatic work is now forgotten but the score remains famous. Tharaud shows a fine understanding of the original work, his transcription elegantly restoring the different sound planes of the orchestra. © Pierre Lamy/Qobuz