Impromptus

Impromptus. Fryderyk Chopin. , 'The airy mood of a moment assumes a shape and form – although it becomes a trifle, it conceals the most delicate feelings in such cheerful, playful attire' , , Ferdinand Hiller on the Impromptu in A flat major, Op. 29, Paradoxically, the greatest renown was gained by the Impromptu in C sharp minor, Op. 66, published after Chopin's death by Julian Fontana under the title Fantasy-Impromptu , a composition which the composer wished to be destroyed after his death, together with other unpublished works., Chopin's impromptus are quite elaborate works: slightly longer than the nocturnes, shorter than the ballades and scherzos. Compared to the rest of his oeuvre, they stand out as particularly cheerful, motoric works of moderate dramatic effect. They enchant listeners with their airy and poetical aura., The impromptus are sometimes burdened with their stereotypical opinion of being 'music for the ladies'. As short and uncomplicated works, they were often intended for amateur pianists from good homes. They do not form a large chapter in Chopin's oeuvre , of the four extant compositions, three of them were intended by the composer for publication.