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 Songs. Recommended Classical Music (101–110)
Piano Quintet “The Trout,” Fourth MovementFranz Schubert
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
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.
Piano Sonata No. 20, Fourth MovementFranz Schubert
“Wings” is a situation comedy set at an airport in Nantucket, Massachusetts, depicting brothers Joe Hackett and Brian Hackett.
Schubert’s Piano Sonata No.
20, fourth movement, was used as the theme music.
Minuet in A major, D 334Franz Schubert
This “Minuet in A major, D334” is, as its title suggests, a minuet composed by Schubert around 1815, when he was in his teens.
It proceeds gently in typical minuet fashion, but from the trio in the latter half, the repeated left-hand chord strokes can pose a stumbling block for beginners.
That said, if you have a firm sense of 3/4 time, there’s nothing to be overly afraid of.
Focus on not overexerting the left hand and on playing the right-hand slurs smoothly to shape the beautiful melody, and do your best to perform gracefully all the way to the end!
Four Impromptus, D. 935, Op. 142Franz Schubert
Piano Concerto in A minor, Op.
54 is composed by Schumann.
It is a piece that blends intensity with calm.
With Schumann’s characteristic, elegant melodies, it’s a marvelous concerto that could easily captivate your heart.
It has a distinctly different flavor from Tchaikovsky and other famous piano concertos.
Comparing them can be fun, too.
Please give it a listen.
Masterpieces by Franz Schubert: Exquisite classical works left by the King of Song. Recommended classical music (111–120)
Piano Sonata No. 18 “Fantasy”Franz Schubert
Schubert’s Piano Sonata No.
18, “Fantasy.” It feels like having a gentle dream.
It’s a lovely piece that tenderly stays by your side.
The piano’s timbre is so soothing that listening at night might bring you sweet dreams.
I also recommend it when you’re feeling stressed.
It will carry you into a comfortable sleep.
Waltz in A-flat major, D. 978Franz Schubert
Schubert left many waltzes for solo piano, and it is said that among the pieces he improvised before close friends, he carefully wrote out the ones he liked, which were later included in various collections.
Perhaps because they arose spontaneously for his friends, Schubert’s solo piano waltzes are accessible and relatively short, with many repeated sections; they seldom demand advanced technique, making them easy to tackle.
The Waltz in A-flat major, D.
978, discussed here, appears to have an unknown year of composition, but it is a light, graceful piano dance about a minute long that evokes the genial atmosphere of the salon.
It is quite manageable for upper-beginner level players, but its simplicity can make it prone to sounding monotonous, so even within that single minute, be sure to shape the repeated phrases with clear expression.