Composed in 1872, Franz Liszt's Impromptu is an expressive composition in the nocturne style popular in the late nineteenth century. Reflecting a meditative and solitary state of mind which Liszt often alluded to in his letters to friends, this diminutive work is a fine example of Liszt's later piano compositions. As the left hand presents a fluidly rolling arpeggio continuo, the soaring melody dances in the upper reaches of the treble line then dives to the lower reaches of the keyboard and back again. A three against two rhythmic pattern in the middle portion of this brief work achieves a sense of anticipation that gracefully yields to a harplike passage that has the ethereal quality so distinctive to the nocturne form. This theme gives way to a lyrical line of descending thirds in the treble line anchored by a repeated pedal tone in the left hand which brings this charming work to a close.

In keeping with Liszt's penchant for brevity, especially in his later works, the Impromtu in F sharp is an excellent example of his compositional style in its most mature and elegant form.

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