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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Masterpieces by Franz Schubert: Exquisite classical works left by the King of Song. Recommended classical music (21–30)
Fantasia in C major, D.760 “Wanderer”Franz Schubert
The Fantasia in C major, D 760 “Wanderer,” is a piano piece composed by Franz Schubert and published in 1822, commonly known as the “Wanderer Fantasy.” There is an anecdote that Schubert himself, frustrated at being unable to play the piece well, remarked, “Let the devil play such a piece.”
Piano Quintet “The Trout”Franz Schubert
Composed in 1819 when Schubert was 22, this work was published posthumously in 1829.
In the summer of 1819, during a visit to Austria, Schubert met the amateur musician and mining entrepreneur Sylvester Paumgartner.
Paumgartner requested that Schubert write a quintet based on his favorite song, “Die Forelle” (The Trout), and Schubert composed this piece in response.
Franz Schubert’s Masterpieces: Sparkling Classical Works Left by the King of Song. Recommended Classical Music (31–40)
Symphony No. 8 (9) in C major “The Great,” D. 944Franz Schubert
This work was composed between 1825 and 1826.
The nickname “The Great” is widely believed to have arisen to distinguish it from Schubert’s Symphony No.
6, which is also in C major, hence calling it “The Great” (the larger symphony).
True to its name, it is a lengthy piece lasting over an hour, and Schumann praised it, referring to its “heavenly length.”
Piano Sonata No. 19 in C Minor, D 958Franz Schubert
Franz Schubert, famed as the “king of song,” also left many masterpieces of piano sonatas.
One of them is the Piano Sonata No.
19 in C minor, D 958, composed in 1828, the final year of his life.
The piano sonatas from this period were written with a strong consciousness of Ludwig van Beethoven—the revered master known as the composer of the “Ninth” and the Symphony No.
5 “Fate.” Despite his failing health, Schubert poured his full strength into these large-scale works.
Of the four movements, only the second is in A-flat major and thus in a major key; the other three movements are all in C minor.
Whether he was aware of his impending death is unknown, but these late works remain highly popular today.
Regarding the Piano Sonata No.
18, Robert Schumann—renowned also as a critic—lavishly praised it as “perfect both in form and spirit,” and No.
19 stands alongside Nos.
18 and 20 as one of the most beloved works in Schubert’s output.
The Art Song “Erlkönig”Franz Schubert
Among Schubert’s works, Erlkönig is a particularly unusual piece.
It even appears in music textbooks.
While Schubert wrote many gentle compositions, this one is terrifying in both its accompaniment and its lyrics—something that could haunt your dreams.
It’s also the song the protagonist of the anime “Haven’t You Heard? I’m Sakamoto” sang at karaoke.
Military March No. 1Franz Schubert
From its bold, fanfare-like opening, a grand world for piano four hands unfolds.
Inheriting Vienna’s illustrious military-band tradition, powerful and brilliant melodies intertwine with sparkling harmonies in exquisite balance.
Franz Schubert composed this work in 1822 with performances among friends in mind.
Frequently chosen as background music for films and documentaries, it captivates with the tension and dynamic expression of two pianos in dialogue.
Performed by four hands in perfect sync, it is a highly recommended piece for pianists seeking a richer musical experience.
Piano Sonata No. 21 in B-flat major, D 960 — Movement III: Allegro vivace con delicatezzaFranz Schubert
A masterpiece whose jewel-like melodies set the heart free.
Completed in September 1828, this work is especially captivating in its third movement, where a light touch is paired with delicate structural nuance.
An eight-bar theme is developed with finesse, and through successive modulations the music moves from a bright B-flat major to its parallel key, B-flat minor, leaving a striking impression of richly colored emotion.
The shading of the melody—born of its distinctive rhythmic pulse and harmonic progressions—deeply moves the listener.
Throughout, Franz Schubert’s inventive modulation techniques and masterful handling of rhythm shine.
This piece is highly recommended for those seeking the deeper flavors of classical music, and for anyone captivated by the structural beauty of piano repertoire.