Henselt: Impromptus

Spanning two decades of compositional activity, Henselt’s four Impromptus (1838–1859) offer a rare glimpse into the evolution of his musical voice. Though composed at different times, they form a cohesive set through their shared blend of lyrical depth and pianistic invention. Each piece explores a distinct emotional world—from introspective melancholy to dramatic fervour—while maintaining Henselt’s hallmark emphasis on legato touch and expressive nuance. The textures range from simple melodies veiled in swift figuration to rich polyphonic writing that evokes the illusion of multiple voices.

Notably, the later impromptus introduce greater contrapuntal complexity and structural ambition, as in the fugue-like opening of the fourth piece. The third impromptu, Illusion perdue, stands out for its poignant atmosphere and narrative arc. Together, these works highlight Henselt’s affinity for distilling a single affect into highly refined pianistic poetry, making them both technically rewarding and emotionally resonant.

Quick Overview

• Composer: Adolf von Henselt (1814–1889)
• Edition: Urtext (FE004)
• Pages: 24 (19 + V) pages.
• Difficulty: Level 5–10 / 10
• Editor: Martijn Vromans
• Paper: A4, 120 gsm cream (Clairefontaine)
• Binding: Black steel wire binding
• Pages: 20 + IV pages.