Tonight’s performance has been made possible by the generosity of Mary and David Meeker. The Steinway grand piano has been provided by the Walla Walla Piano Group.

The Impromptus of Franz Schubert represent some of the most lyrical and intimate works in the solo piano repertoire. Numbering eight in all, the Impromptus mark an important moment in time between the prevailing absolute music of “The Sonata” (Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven), and the more personified music of the character piece (Mendelssohn, Chopin, Liszt and beyond).

Triumphs of large scale musical form like the Sonata in B flat, D. 960, the Cello Quintet in C, D. 956 and the “Great” C Major Symphony, D. 944 tend to dominate reflections on Schubert’s final year. The Impromptus, however, offer a different sort of prism— eight little gems set amid the crown of Schubert’s greatest achievements. The Walla Walla Chamber Music Festival is thrilled to return to Foundry Vineyards for this special performance, and to welcome back virtuoso pianist, Winston Choi.

Franz Schubert (1797-1828)

FOUR IMPROMPTUS, OP. 90 (D. 899)

No. 1 in C minor, Allegro molto moderato

No. 2 in E flat, Allegro

No. 3 in G flat, Andante

No. 4 in A flat, Allegretto

INTERMISSION

FOUR IMPROMPTUS, OP. 142 (D. 935)

No. 1 in F minor, Allegro moderato

No. 2 in A flat, Allegretto

No. 3 in B flat, Theme (Andante) with variations

No. 4 in F minor, Allegro scherzando

Artist: Winston Choi, piano