Carl Filtsch - Impromptu No. 1 in G flat Major (Rutkowski)

Carl Filtsch - Impromptu No. 1 in G flat Major (without an opus number)
Performed by Hubert Rutkowski

Considered Chopin's most talented pupil, Filtsch (1830 - 1845) received high praise from Franz Liszt, Friedrich Wieck, Giacomo Meyerbeer, Ignaz Moscheles, the music critic Ludwig Rellstab, and fellow child prodigy, Anton Rubinstein. Filtsch began touring Europe at the age of 13. After triumphant concerts in Paris, London, and Vienna, his promising career was cut short by an early death from tuberculosis.

Chopin considered Filtsch the most worthy interpreter of his music, and he taught him not only playing, but composing as well, which was a unique priviledge among his students. Filtsch was also taught by Franz Liszt in 1842 when Chopin was away from Paris. You can read more about Filtsch's life on the site of the piano competition in his honor: (http://filtschpianocompetition.com/en...)

Filtsch's first impromptu starts with a light playful melody, reminiscing of Chopin's first impromptu - but develops with a different character. My favorite moment has to be how the composer ends the phrase at 0:32 and how Rutkowski plays it. The contrasting middle section modulates to E flat minor, where a low melody, moving at a comparatively slower pace, is supported by octaves in the left hand. The wistful middle section modulates back to a repeat of the first section, which now ends with a short cascading passage leading towards the final arpeggio.

If you enjoyed this piece I also recommend listening to Filtsch's second impromptu in B minor, for which I sadly cannot find useable sheet music. It was originally writen as a scherzo, but posthumously published as an impromptu. The original title explains the ties between the piece and Chopin's second scherzo, such as the similar arpeggios found in both pieces.
Impromptu No. 2: (   • Impromptu No. 2 in B-Flat Minor  )

I also recommend listening to his Overture and his Piano concertino, which you can find on S.P.'s score videos's channel.
Overture: (   • Carl Filtsch – Overture D major  )
Concertino: (   • Carl Filtsch – Konzertstück in B minor for...  )


audio:    • Impromptu No. 1 in G-Flat Major  
sheet music: http://en.scorser.com/S/Sheet+music/C...

Please take note that I do not own the rights to the audio or the sheet music used in this video. The video is for non-comercial use.