Impromptu in Four

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.