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.
Franz Schubert’s Masterpieces: Sparkling Classical Works Left by the King of Songs. Recommended Classical Music (101–110)
Ellen’s Songs No. 3Franz Schubert
“Ave Maria” (composed by Schubert), 2012 Choir Competition Gold Prize
Ellen’s Song No.
3 is one of Franz Schubert’s most celebrated masterpieces, composed in 1825 and commonly known as “Schubert’s Ave Maria.” Its beautiful melody has long been beloved as a classic that captures the hearts of many.
In addition to being featured in Disney’s masterpiece film Fantasia, it’s a piece you’ll hear in all sorts of settings.
It’s also very popular as a choral work, so do try singing it with all your heart.
Schubert / Scherzo in B-flat major, D. 593 / Performed by Kyoko Nakagawa
Schubert composed Two Scherzos, whose light waltz rhythm feels pleasantly buoyant, in 1817.
In terms of his creative output, that year is not generally considered particularly noteworthy, and this work, too, was not published until much later—1871, long after Schubert’s death.
The piece introduced here is No.
1.
While it features a distinctive, dance-like right-hand arpeggio, it does not demand advanced technique; it is a piece that even beginners who have become reasonably comfortable with the piano should be able to play.
Called Schubert’s Serenade, it’s the fourth song in the song cycle “Swan Song.” Since a serenade means appealing to one’s beloved from beneath their window, this piece too faithfully pleads love to a sweetheart.
But Japanese men can’t really do something that cheesy, can they? The mood of the piece is still a love scene, isn’t it?
In the summer of 1819, while visiting northern Austria, I was asked by an amateur musician to compose a quintet based on my 1817 song “Die Forelle” (The Trout).
I quickly began working on the idea and completed the “Trout” Quintet within the same year.
The piece vividly depicts a trout playing in a brook and its dramatic capture by an angler.
Piano Sonata No. 16 in A minor, Op. 42, D. 845, First MovementFranz Schubert
Schubert: Piano Sonata No. 16 in A minor, D 845, Op. 42 – I. First movement; Pf. Yurino Izumi
A piano piece known as one of the few sonatas Franz Schubert, a master of Romantic music, published during his lifetime.
It is characterized by unstable harmonies and bold modulations, expressing Schubert’s distinctive “transfigured sorrow.” The first movement, notable for its somber, emotionally rich melody, is in sonata form and develops a powerful yet poignant theme in A minor.
The opening subject, presented in a “question-and-answer” manner that creates a musical dialogue, is also striking.
With its complex emotional expression and palpable tension, this work is an ideal piece for those looking to refine their piano technique.
