We continue with Schubert: after recording parts of Schubert's late works in 2018 and two piano sonatas in 2022, American pianist Eric Lu now turns his attention to the Austrian early Romantic composer's Impromptus 92 and 142. The performance of the thirteen pieces lasts exactly one hour, twelve minutes, and 32 seconds, as Lu has added five variations to Impromptus Op. 142, No. 3.
The Impromptus, lyrical piano works from the last years of Schubert's life, are divided into two groups of four pieces each. He wrote the pieces of the first Impromptus No. 90 in the summer and fall of 1827, followed a few months later by the four Impromptus No. 142 in December of the same year, one year before his early death at the age of 31.
Although the term “impromptus” actually refers to improvisation or a momentary idea, the compositions nevertheless seem completely mature and integrative. For example, the surprising change of key to E-flat minor at the end of Impromptu Op. 90 No. 2 refers to the related G-flat major of Impromptu Op. 90 No. 3. And only the first Impromptu Op. 90 No. 1 actually has the playful, variable character of an improvisation.
“For me, the Impromptus are among the greatest treasures in piano literature,” says Lu about the compositions. They are such wonderful, profound pieces—quasi the quintessence of Schubert. The feeling of an inner journey is omnipresent in the Impromptus, in which emotions are constantly changing and conflicting with one another.
Eric Lu's recording underscores this dynamic as well as the lyrical character of the piano works. His playing is equally sensitive, dynamic, and expressive. This is particularly evident in Impromptus Op. Posth. 142, No. 1, in which the dynamic curves are exquisitely played to their limits.
Lu also demonstrates an excellent sense of the right tone throughout, lending the compositions expression, body, and weight. It is charming how he plays out the dramatic element in Impromptus Op. 90 No. 4, before switching to the flowing runs with light fingers. Or how he illuminates the Impromptus Op. Posth. 142, No. 3 in the supplementary five variations in ever-changing facets: sometimes dance-like and pointed (Variation 1), sometimes breathing like a waltz (Variation 2), sometimes tragic and heavy (Variation 3) – each one coherent in itself and completely convincing in its expression.
The recording itself is also impressive. It places the grand piano directly in the listening room, not sideways, but with a direct view of the pianist. The piano runs oscillate from the treble on the left to the bass on the right, almost as if you were sitting at the foot of the concert grand piano, whose power and body fill the listening room with authentic, rich sound.
This makes Eric Lu's recording of Schubert's Impromptus a thoroughly enjoyable experience. It is therefore no surprise that, at the age of 27, he recently won the XIX International Chopin Competition in Warsaw. He is a sensitive and expressive connoisseur and master of his instrument. (Thomas Semmler, HighResMac)
Eric Lu, piano
Photo: ©Rajchert Lukasz