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: Exquisite Classical Works Left by the King of Song. Recommended Classical Music (91–100)
Elegant Waltz, Op. 77Franz Schubert
From Schubert “Valses Sentimentales,” No. 13 – Piano score, classical. Schubert: Valses Sentimentales D 779 / Op. 50, piano score.
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.
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.
No. 13 from 34 Sentimental Waltzes, D 779 Op. 50Franz Schubert
Franz Schubert, Sentimental Waltz Op 50, 13
Comprising 34 approachable, easy-to-play waltzes, the 34 Valses Sentimentales, D 779 Op.
50, offer a wealth of charm.
No.
13 combines brightness and brilliance with calmness, making it a pleasure to play.
Rather than rigidly adhering to the triple meter, aim for a higher level of performance by shaping the tempo with subtle rubato to follow the musical contours.
Ensure the beautiful melodic line sings clearly by maintaining a good balance between the hands and using the pedal effectively.
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
Franz Schubert – Sonata Arpeggione – Duo Adentro
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.
Schubert – Allegretto in C minor, D.915 – with score
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.
