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)
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.
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.”
Franz Schubert’s Masterpieces: Sparkling Classical Works Left by the King of Song. Recommended Classical Music (31–40)
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.
Serenade from SchwanengesangFranz Schubert
This is a piece included in Franz Schubert’s renowned song collection Schwanengesang, which he worked on from August 1828 onward.
Its sweet yet heartrending melody is striking, as if whispering hidden feelings to a beloved in the stillness of the night.
The delicate piano accompaniment captures the protagonist’s trembling heart and even the touch of the night breeze, drawing listeners into the world of the story.
It is also known for its use in the 1933 film Gently My Songs Entreat.
The wistfulness that pervades this work gently accompanies nights when one is overwhelmed by sorrow, making it a masterpiece you should listen to when you wish to indulge in sentiment.
Three Piano PiecesFranz Schubert
Franz Schubert, the Austrian composer known as the “king of song,” wrote several piano pieces in his later years.
While many retain a classical style, an increasing number display romantic, emotive character, influencing later composers.
This set of solo piano pieces was composed in 1828, but it was neither published immediately nor widely remembered.
Johannes Brahms, the German composer who admired Schubert’s piano sonatas, highly valued the works and edited them anonymously; they were published in 1868.
The first piece is a fierce tarantella in the rare key of E-flat minor.
The third piece is marked by distinctive syncopation and a vibrant energy.
Notably, it was also Brahms who gave the collection the title by which it is known today: “Three Piano Pieces.”
Three Military Marches, Op. 51, D.733 No. 1 in D majorFranz Schubert
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.