Franz Schubert was a man on a mission, distracted from composing music by neither the praise of Beethoven, nor the prospect of his own death. But the dude still had to pay the rent. Internationally acclaimed classical pianist, music teacher, and performer Clive Swansbourne explains what “impromptus” were, and how Schubert took them to the next level with the power of the pinky finger.

Audio production by Todd “Drop It Like It’s Todd” Hulslander with backup dancing by Dacia Clay.

Music used in this episode:

• Impromptu No. 3 in G Flat Major, D. 899 (Op. 90) by Franz Schubert played by…

• Clive Swansbourne and

• Vladimir Horowitz

• Impromptu by Jan Václav VoÅ™íšek

For more about Clive Swansbourne: www.cliveswansbourne.com