Masterpieces by Franz Schubert: Sparkling classical works left by the King of Song. Recommended classical music.
Franz Schubert, the Austrian composer hailed as the “King of Song” for leaving behind more than 600 lieder, including masterpieces such as Erlkönig and Ave Maria.
Schubert is known not only for his many celebrated songs, but also for his wide-ranging output in solo piano works, symphonies, and chamber music.
In this article, we’ve handpicked Schubert’s most popular pieces as well as hidden gems beloved by devoted classical-music aficionados.
We present a selection of sparkling works infused with the spirit of a musician who composed throughout his life.
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Franz Schubert’s Masterpieces: Exquisite Classical Works Left by the King of Song. Recommended Classical Music (91–100)
Eight Landlers, D.378Franz Schubert
The waltzes and dances that Schubert improvised in front of his friends are concise pieces, and as long as you have a feel for the waltz rhythm, they’re approachable even for beginners.
They’re especially recommended if you simply want to get a taste of Schubert’s world.
This set, the Eight Ländler, D.378, composed in 1816, is true to the name “Ländler”—a South German folk dance in 3/4 time—light and distinctly dance-like in its melodies.
The arpeggios in the right hand, which literally seem to dance, are the most important element.
In the repeated sections, avoid monotony by shaping the dynamics skillfully to evoke the glittering atmosphere of the social ballroom.
Ave MariaFranz Schubert
While many composers have published their own works titled “Ave Maria” in various forms, the piece by Franz Schubert introduced here is known for its unhurried flow and wistful melody.
Chosen time and again for occasions such as weddings and funerals, it continues to convey a message of hope and love to listeners.
For beginner saxophonists, “Ave Maria” is an ideal piece to develop a wide range of skills—from breath control to expressive phrasing.
Its long, sustained lines produce a beautiful tone and allow the performer’s emotions to be reflected in the music.
Beginners might start by practicing holding long, clean notes, and then gradually explore the breadth of expression this piece offers.
ErlkönigFranz Schubert
This is a signature work by Franz Schubert, the genius composer from Austria.
Written when he was 18, it is a richly narrative song based on a poem by Goethe, depicting a father and son galloping through a forest at night.
The piano accompaniment conveys the sensation of the horse’s swift pace, and one singer differentiates the voices of the father, the son, and the Erlking—a hallmark of its demanding technique.
Its tense atmosphere and dramatic development grip listeners from start to finish.
It’s a piece I especially recommend to women interested in classical music.
Elegant Waltz, Op. 77Franz Schubert
Introducing the piano dance pieces of Franz Schubert, a leading composer of the Romantic era.
Composed in 1827, the Noble Waltzes is an elegant collection of twelve Ländler.
Born from gatherings with friends, the work evokes the atmosphere of Viennese high society.
With a relatively short performance time of about 12 minutes, it features approachable melodies and is recommended even for those who have just begun learning the piano.
The pieces can be freely combined, allowing you to play only your favorites.
Immerse yourself in the splendor of a Viennese ball with this work brimming with Schubert’s charm.
“Album Leaf” D.844 in G majorFranz Schubert
We’ve mentioned several times in this article that Schubert would play the piano in front of his closest friends, and that various dances and other pieces grew out of those gatherings; such get-togethers were called “Schubertiades.” The Albumblatt in G major, D.844, was composed around 1825, toward the end of the Schubertiade period, when Schubert’s works were beginning to gain recognition.
It’s a very short piece, not even a minute and a half long.
With its serene atmosphere and absence of light, shimmering arpeggios, it may strike some as rather plain.
However, if one can draw out the mood of a piece like this, it can surely enhance a pianist’s expressive power.
Waltz No. 6 from “12 Waltzes, 17 Ländlers, and 9 Écossaises, D 145, Op. 18”Franz Schubert
Among Franz Schubert’s works, “Waltz No.
6” from 12 Waltzes, 17 Ländler and 9 Écossaises, D145, Op.
18 is considered approachable for beginning pianists.
Throughout, it maintains a gently flowing waltz rhythm, alternating between minor and major keys before settling peacefully back into the major.
Because the left-hand accompaniment involves leaps, skillful pedal use is important to achieve a smooth result.
If you’re not yet comfortable with pedaling, try practicing the left hand together with the pedal first, then add the right-hand melody.
Serenade, No. 4 from SchwanengesangFranz Schubert
Often referred to as the “King of Song,” Schubert is also known for having produced many historically renowned masterpieces that continue to be loved today, such as “Heidenröslein” and “Erlkönig.” There are numerous piano solo arrangements of Schubert’s lieder, and many people have likely performed them at recitals.
In this article, we introduce the particularly famous “Serenade” from Schubert’s posthumously compiled song cycle Schwanengesang.
The melody is so heartrendingly beautiful that simply having it in your head makes it easy to get started, and the key point is to solidly internalize the basic 3/4 rhythm while the left hand steadily handles the bass.
It’s well within reach for players at an upper-beginner to approaching-intermediate level, so by all means, try to express the music’s shifting emotions with your whole being.
Sonata in A minor, D 821, for Arpeggione and PianoFranz Schubert
The chamber work Sonata in A Minor, D 821, for Arpeggione and Piano, composed by Franz Schubert in Vienna in 1824.
The arpeggione is a six‑string bowed instrument invented between 1823 and 1824, and because it had already fallen out of use by the time Schubert died, this piece has, to the present day, been performed and cherished on instruments such as the cello, viola, and guitar.
Since the arpeggione was played with a bow, performances on the guitar may differ from what Schubert intended.
However, the piece’s plaintive atmosphere pairs wonderfully with the guitar’s unadorned timbre.
Allegretto in C minor, D 915Franz Schubert
Let me introduce a short piece by Franz Schubert, known as a standard-bearer of the Romantic era.
Written on the occasion of a friend’s departure, this work is filled with the emotions of farewell and profound poignancy.
It is cast in ternary form, and the delicate balance between the main section in C minor and the middle section in A-flat major is striking.
The melody bears traces of Beethoven’s influence, while its sonorities foreshadow Schumann and Brahms—another part of its appeal.
Composed in April 1827, the piece may also reflect an elegiac tribute to Beethoven.
Even beginners at the piano can approach it: the hands often move in parallel, and the passages that shift out of sync can be mastered with slow practice.
A highly recommended piece for anyone wishing to step into Schubert’s world.
Andante in C major, D 29Franz Schubert
Andante in C major, D 29 was composed in 1812, when Schubert was still around fifteen years old.
It is said that he even wrote “September 9, 1812” on the score, making it a rare early work by Schubert in which the date of composition is clearly indicated in the composer’s own hand.
If you have basic piano technique, you should be able to play it without much difficulty, though the relatively frequent accidentals may be a bit confusing for beginners.
Because the main theme’s melody is repeated, once you’ve learned it you can play it smoothly—so keep practicing it over and over.