Returning Cycles
Subtitle: Contexts for the Interpretation of Schubert's Impromptus and Last Sonatas (California Studies in Nineteenth Century Music)
Edition: 1 edition
Publisher: University of California Press
Published: March 12, 2001
Language: eng
Format: Hardcover
Number of pages: 325
ISBN-13: 9780520225640
Subjects: Classical music (c 1750 to c 1830); Composers & musicians; Keyboard instruments; Romantic music (c 1830 to c 1900); Schubert, Franz,; Impromptus,; piano,; D. 899; Music/Songbooks; Piano music; Music; Musical Instruments - Piano; Genres & Styles - Classical; History & Criticism - General; Music / General; Sonatas (Piano); Analysis, appreciation; 1797-1828; 1797-1828
First sentence: Schubert's first impromptu, in C minor (op. 90, no. I), and the finale of his last sonata, in B major (D. 960), could hardly be more different.
Description: "This investigation of the later music of Franz Schubert explores the terrain of Schubert's impromptus and last piano sonatas. Drawing on the relationships between these pieces and Schubert's Winterreise song cycle, his earlier "Der Wanderer," the closely related "Unfinished" Symphony, and Schubert's story of exile and homecoming, "My Dream," Charles Fisk explains how Schubert's view of his own life may well have shaped his music in the years shortly before his death.".

"Fisk's portrayal of Schubert is based on evidence from the composer's hand, both verbal (song texts and his written words) and musical (vocal and instrumental). Noting extraordinary aspects of tonality, structure, and gestural content, Fisk argues that through his music Schubert sought to alleviate his apparent sense of exile and his anticipation of early death.

Fisk supports this view through close analysis of the cyclic connections within and between the works he explores, finding in them complex musical narratives that attempt to come to terms with mortality, alienation, hope, and desire."--BOOK JACKET.