Sibelius: Six Impromptus, Op. 5

Introduction

Sibelius had a substantial output for solo piano, but is not known for his keyboard music. His interest in that genre stemmed back to his early career, as these Six Impromptus from 1893 attest, written around the time of his first popular orchestral works Kullervo (1892) and the Karelia Suite (1893). The Impromptu No 1. in G minor is marked Moderato and is somber and funereal, but utterly haunting in its gloom. The ensuing piece, in the same key, is brighter and lively (Vivace, after a brief introduction), playful and catchy, and almost childlike. No. 3, in A minor (Moderato), is folk-like in its festive and joyful marching fashion (alla marcia). The Impromptu No. 4 in E minor is relaxed in its nocturnal mood and vaguely calls the music of Grieg to mind. The ensuing B minor work (Vivace) features Lisztian glitter, as if snow flakes are cascading on a wintry landscape. Its lovely theme has a Nordic stateliness searing the music into the mind's ear after just one listening. This is probably the best piece in the set. The concluding Impromptu (Commodo), in E major, is at about seven minutes and the longest in the set by far. It, too, is also a compelling work in its pastoral and simple charms.

Parts/Movements

1. Impromptu
2. Impromptu
3. Impromptu
4. Impromptu in E minor
5. Impromptu in B minor
6. Impromptu in E major