Impromptu

For information about impromptu speaking in public debate, see individual events.

An impromptu is a free-form musical composition with the character of an improvisation, usually for a solo instrument, such as piano.

According to the New Grove Dictionary of Music & Musicians, "impromptu" as a title was first used for a piano piece by Vořišek published in the Allgemeine musikalische Zeitung in 1817, and it was the publisher's idea. Publishers also named Schubert's D. 899 "impromptus". The title gained popularity during the latter half of the 19th century going into the early 20th. The New Grove cites Donald Martino's 1980 Fantasies and Impromptu as the one of the few uses of the title in the late 20th century.

This article is about the musical form. See also

• [[Impromptu (1932 film)]|] - A comedy short starring Richard Bird and Florence Desmond
• Impromptu - A movie starring Hugh Grant as Chopin