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 Lieder. Recommended Classical Music (41–50)
Three Military Marches, Op. 51, D.733 No. 1 in D majorFranz Schubert
Military March No. 1 (Schubert) – Schubert: Military March No. 1 in D major – pianomaedaful
This is a collection of pieces composed in 1818, when Franz Schubert—often called the King of Song—was 21 years old.
He wrote it while working as a tutor for a count’s daughter.
Although today it is often performed in versions for orchestra, wind ensemble, or solo piano, it was originally written for piano four hands.
The piece is also famous as the background music for Hudson’s popular video game “Challenger,” with an unforgettable intro that sticks after just one listen.
It’s a well-known tune among retro game fans as well.
Impromptus, Op. 90, D. 899 No. 2 in E-flat majorFranz Schubert
Impromptu in E-flat major, Op. 90 No. 2 (Schubert) – Schubert: Impromptu in E-flat major, Op. 90 No. 2
Schubert’s piano solo work Four Impromptus, Op.
90, composed in his final years.
No.
2 is among his most popular pieces and is beloved as a staple of piano recitals.
This work is striking for the contrast between the light, flowing right-hand passages and the left hand’s simple yet beautiful harmonies.
The middle section shifts dramatically in character to a powerful, dance-like style, and after the return of the opening’s lively melody, the coda brings back the dance from the middle section in brilliant fashion, closing with great momentum.
Its sharp contrasts keep both performer and listener fully engaged.
Winterreise, Op. 89, D. 911 No. 5 “The Linden Tree”Franz Schubert
Linden Tree (with lyrics) Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau
Winterreise, the song cycle Schubert composed a year before his death, was written as his illness worsened and he became conscious of his mortality.
It depicts the inner landscape of a young man who, after a broken heart, journeys alone through a winter wilderness.
No.
5, “Der Lindenbaum” (The Linden Tree), is one of the most famous of all Schubert’s songs.
It expresses the young man’s feelings as he passes by the linden tree of his memories.
A piano accompaniment that evokes the rustling of leaves is overlaid with a beautifully poignant melody, resulting in an overall gently reflective tone.
Franz Schubert, who left behind numerous masterpieces that shine in the history of classical music.
One of his representative works is this piece, composed in 1825 based on a poem by Matthäus von Collin.
The gently paced piano accompaniment beautifully captures the atmosphere of a quiet night.
From the lyrics, themed around night and dreams, emerges a portrait of human beings stepping away from the real world in search of deeper spiritual peace.
Brimming with Schubert’s delicate sensibility, this work is a must-listen for those who seek a quiet beauty that resonates in the depths of the heart.
Franz Schubert: An Die Musik, D 547 – Felicity Lott
Composed in 1817, it is a song with piano accompaniment.
It sets to music a poem by his friend Ritter von Schober.
In D major and cut time (2/2), the music is written with clarity, yet it employs effects that make the voice and piano sound as if they are in dialogue.
It is regarded as a masterpiece that directly expresses Schubert’s love and gratitude for music.
