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Composer

Franz Schubert

1797 — 1828

About

Franz Schubert

Franz Schubert
Schubert was born in Vienna and grew up in humble circumstances. He received his earliest lessons on the piano and violin at the hands of his brother and father respectively, but it was Michael Holzer, the bibulous choirmaster at the parish church in Liechtental, who was Schubert's first official teacher. In 1808, at the age of eleven, he enrolled at the Imperial and Royal Seminary in Vienna, where he continued to make good progress under the guidance of the eminent composer Antonio Salieri. On completing his studies at the Stadtkonvikt, he entered the Normal Scholl of St. Anna to train as a primary schoolteacher. He left the paternal home in 1816 and found refuge with his friend Franz von Schober, with whom he savoured the life of a freelance artist. In 1818 his meeting with Count Karl Esterházy provided a welcome source of income when he was invited to give private lessons to the count's daughters on their estates in Hungary. Recognition as a composer came only slowly to Schubert and this, together with his ill health and his mood swings, clouded the final years of his life. his output, including innumerable masterpieces, was enormous given his short life: eight symphonies, eight Masses, string quartets, piano trios and a string quintet, piano sonatas and impromptus and some 600 songs, including "Gretchen am Spinnrade", "Erlkönig", and the song cycles Die schöne Müllerin and Winterreise.

Masterpieces of Franz Schubert: The Iconic Composer of the Romantic Era

Franz Schubert is unarguably one of the most prolific composers of the Romantic era and his vast contribution to the realm of classical music remains unparalleled. From his humble beginnings in Vienna, where he was introduced to music by his family, who hugely influenced his career, to leaving his promising teaching career to pursue his passion for music, Schubert's journey is an intriguing tale of unshakeable determination and unwavering devotion to his art.

Early Life and Education

Schubert received his preliminary lessons in music from his family and later studied at the Imperial and Royal Seminary in Vienna under Antonio Salieri. Despite the trials and tribulations Schubert encountered throughout his career, his prolific output, encompassing string quartets, piano trios, symphonies, and over 600 songs bear testament to his unyielding passion for music.

Symphony No. 4 in C Minor, D. 417 ("Tragic")

Written in 1816, this symphony is known for its seriousness and dramatic flair. It features an Adagio molto – Allegro vivace first movement, followed by a lyrical Andante, a Menuetto, and concludes with an Allegro. The symphony is scored for a standard orchestra, including 2 flutes, 2 oboes, 2 clarinets, 2 bassoons, 4 horns, 2 trumpets, timpani, and strings.

Fantasy in C Major, Op. 15, D. 760 ("Wanderer")

This piece is famous for its technical challenges and emotional depth. The Adagio movement is particularly celebrated for its beauty and complexity. It is part of a larger collection of four Impromptus.

Impromptus Op. 142 No. 1 in F Minor

Schubert's impromptus are characterized by their expressive and often melancholic nature. They showcase his mastery of piano writing. These are Op. 142 Impromptus, which are four in total.

"Gretchen am Spinnrade" and "Erlkönig"

These are two of Schubert's most beloved songs, known for their dramatic intensity and musical beauty. They are part of his vast output of over 600 songs.

Die schöne Müllerin and Winterreise

These cycles are considered some of the greatest works in the vocal repertoire. They are known for their poignant and expressive settings of German poetry.

Experience an immersive journey to Vienna in the Romantic era. Explore the genius of Franz Schubert, the man behind 600+ songs and the unforgettable Symphony No. 4. Discover more of his timeless treasures on STAGE+.