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: Sparkling Classical Works Left by the King of Song. Recommended Classical Music (61–70)
Moments Musicaux D780 Op.94 No. 3Franz Schubert
The third piece from the six-piece piano collection Moments Musicaux is a piano work that many people encounter in everyday life, as it is often used in TV commercials.
It has also reportedly been used as incidental music in films and as a train departure melody.
Over a steady, unvarying left-hand accompaniment, an evocative right-hand melody built from chords unfolds.
While it’s performed at various tempos, a calm interpretation is also beautiful, so there’s no need to insist on speeding it up.
Enjoy playing it while savoring the piece’s noble atmosphere.
Piano Sonata No. 18 in G major, D 894, Op. 78 “Fantasy”Franz Schubert
Composed around 1826, when Franz Schubert was 28, this four-movement masterpiece is known as the “Fantasy Sonata,” a name derived from the word “Fantasia” written on its first edition.
While Schubert’s Piano Sonatas Nos.
19, 20, and 21 are especially famous, No.
18 is also highly popular.
Robert Schumann, a leading composer of the German Romantic tradition and a renowned critic, praised it as “perfect both in form and spirit.” Even today, this “Fantasy Sonata” is regarded as one of Schubert’s most esteemed works and is an essential part of a pianist’s repertoire.
It was the last work published during Schubert’s lifetime, and, true to a composer who wrote many songs and dances, it features not only great beauty but also movements that compellingly incorporate dance rhythms—making it a piece you’ll want to hear all the way to the end.
Symphony No. 4 in C minor “Tragic,” D 417Franz Schubert
Composed around 1816 when Schubert was 19, this is one of his early symphonies.
The title “Tragic,” given by Schubert himself, and the key of C minor suggest he had Beethoven in mind.
Despite its dark tone, the work conveys moments of brightness.
String Quartet No. 13, Op. 29, D. 804 “Rosamunde”Franz Schubert
Composed in 1824, this work dates from a time when Schubert’s health had declined and he had grown pessimistic about life, which lends the piece an overall dark, brooding character that reflects his state of mind.
It is the only string quartet published during Schubert’s lifetime.
The nickname “Rosamunde” comes from Schubert’s quotation in this work of a theme from his incidental music for the play of the same name.
Litany for All Souls, D.343Franz Schubert
Composed in 1816 when Schubert was 19, this piece sets a poem by Jacobi to music.
“All Souls’ Day” is a Christian observance in which the souls of the dead are believed to return, akin to Japan’s Obon festival.
The poem, imbued with compassion for the deceased, is accompanied by beautiful music.
Death and the Maiden, D. 531Franz Schubert
This song was composed in 1817 when Schubert was 20 years old and was published in 1821.
It sets to music a poem of the same name by Matthias Claudius.
It depicts a dialogue between a girl who fears death and rejects the Grim Reaper, and Death itself.
The theme of this piece is quoted in the second movement of the String Quartet No.
14.
On the Water, Op. 72, D. 774Franz Schubert
This is a song composed by Schubert in 1823, when he was 26 years old.
He set to music a poem by Count Stolberg, an aristocrat who was also a poet.
The lyrics, which overlay an evening boat outing with reflections on human life buffeted by fate and the melancholy hidden within the fleeting happiness of life, are carried along by a beautiful, flowing melody.