Impromptu
An improvisation written down — flowing melody, structure that refuses the rule book
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An impromptu is a written-down improvisation from nineteenth-century piano music: it sounds free, yet every note is designed. Schubert's two sets of four are the early models; Chopin's four join a singing melody to flowing figuration with greater refinement.
It often uses ternary or freely joined sections, the middle moving to a contrasting key before the opening idea returns; Chopin's Fantaisie-Impromptu sets a broad melody over rapid, flowing accompaniment.
Listen for how the freedom is organised: the accompaniment usually keeps one motion throughout while the melody breathes, quickens and closes above it. Improvisation is a tone of voice, not a licence to abandon form.
Sources
- 即兴曲在舒伯特、肖邦与福雷手中的形态，参 The New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians, "Impromptu"；本文为原创表述
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