Valse-Impromptu (Liszt)

Valse-Impromptu, S.213, is a waltz for solo piano composed by Franz Liszt in the key of A-flat major.

First published in 1852, the piece is believed to have been composed between 1842–1852. A longer and lesser-heard version, Valse-Impromptu with Later Additions (c.1880, S.213a) was recently recorded for the first time by Australian pianist Leslie Howard as part of his complete recordings of Liszt's piano works. Depending on tempo, performances of the original Valse are approximately 5-1/2 minutes, while the extended version is about 1-1/2 minute longer.

Although it is not considered one of Liszt's better-known pieces, Valse-Impromptu has been recorded by such illustrious pianists as Josef Hofmann, Georges Cziffra (DVD) and Jorge Bolet, and frequently appears in collections of the composer's piano music.

External links

• Valse-Impromptu: Scores at the International Music Score Library Project
• "Cziffra plays Valse-Impromptu". Youtube.
• Howard, Leslie (1986). "Liner Notes: Liszt Waltzes, CDA66201" (PDF). Hyperion Records.
• Howard, Leslie (2011). "Liner Notes: Liszt New Discoveries Vol.3, CDA67810" (PDF). Hyperion Records.