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 Song. Recommended Classical Music (31–40)
Impromptus, Op. 90, D. 899 No. 2 in E-flat majorFranz Schubert
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.
Introduction and Variations on the Theme of “Withering Flowers”Franz Schubert
Composed in 1825, this work is a set of variations for flute and piano by Schubert himself, based on No.
18, “The Withered Flower,” from his 20-song cycle Die schöne Müllerin, one of his representative masterpieces.
It is said to have been written for the flutist Ferdinand Bogner, with whom he was acquainted.
The piece conveys the sorrow of the protagonist from the original Die schöne Müllerin.
Piano Trio No. 1 in B-flat major, Op. 99, D. 898Franz Schubert
This is a piano trio composed in 1827.
All four movements are written in a major key.
Throughout the work, it maintains an untroubled, lyrically expansive character that sings.
The performers are all Soviet masters: David Oistrakh on violin, Svyatoslav Knushevitsky on cello, and Lev Oborin on piano.
Piano Trio No. 2 in E-flat major, Op. 100, D 929Franz Schubert
It is a piano trio composed in 1827.
Of its four movements, all but the second are written in a major key.
However, Schubert was in poor health at the time, composing while battling headaches and dizziness.
Following the expansive first movement, the second movement, Andante con moto, is written in C minor and possesses a distinctive sense of desolation.
Winterreise, Op. 89, D. 911 No. 5 “The Linden Tree”Franz Schubert
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’s Masterpieces: Exquisite Classical Works Left by the King of Lieder. Recommended Classical Music (41–50)
Night and Dreams D827Franz Schubert
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.
String Quartet No. 12 in C minor, D 703Franz Schubert
Composed beginning in 1820, this string quartet remained unfinished, with only the first movement completed and the second abandoned in sketch form.
Because it consists of just a single movement, it is sometimes referred to as a fragment.
It is characterized by tremolo figures moving chromatically, creating an intensely turbulent, passionate atmosphere.
The performance is by the Amadeus Quartet.