Christopher  McWilliams

Audio Available

Component

Delivery

Ensemble

Eprint Folders

Grade

Instrument

Instrument Family

Instrument Type

Item Sequence

Large Print Edition

Marketed Status

Minimum Sell Quantity

MINTS Data Available

Product Line

Prop65

Score Available

Video Available

Franz Schubert was the first to write two sets of Four Impromptus for piano. An impromptu is a work that is reminiscent of an improvisation, although some scholars would say Schubert's impromptus were a bit too structured and planned with regard to the traditional Classical form and phrasing. However, the Fantasy-Impromptus of Frederic Chopin could be interpreted as more freely composed. For my impromptu, I have chosen "Four" for its theme; it consists of 256 measures (4 biquadrate), it is either in four flats or four sharps, and it is in the 4/4 meter throughout. I have also divided it in four equal sections, of which the first three open with a slow 8 bar phrases initiated by four gongs. The remaining measures within each section feature random riffs and varied rhythmic figures. However, the work concludes with a slow sixteen-bar subsection. The entire work depicts the circadian rhythm, in which distinct periods of rapid-eye-movement (REM) take place at certain points of the cycle. During these REMs, the sleeper is motionless and is presented with various sequences of images known as dreams. In between each REM, the sleeper could move about freely in bed or in some cases, sleepwalk.

Impromptu in Four

Piano Solo

Format

Voice

Voice Category

My piano student, Serge Goldstein and I collaborated to figure out various ways to reharmonize the iconic American folk tune in a four-part chorale and intersperse samples from Martin Luther King's Speech of Freedom. Our hope is that one day, this arrangement would be recognized and performed by other church choirs and community choruses in the USA. It is particularly fitting during the MLK weekend.

Amazing Grace

SATB Full Score

This is how J.S. Bach might have adapted the Backstreet Boys' hit "Don't Want You Back" in the style of a chorale prelude for organ.

Want You, Bach

Organ Solo

Global Sections - CORE [DO NOT TOUCH]*

Favicon

Need Help? Contact Us or call 1-800-345-6296    Live Chat

Header

Don't have a business account? Create one

CartDrawer

Children

TrustPilotScript

Customer Service

Selection Made Easy

About J.W. Pepper

J.W. Pepper

CustomFooter

Product List Page - CORE [DO NOT TOUCH]*

Breadcrumb

CustomProductGallery

Products

Impromptu in Four

Amazing Grace

Want You, Bach