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)
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.
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.
Franz Schubert’s Masterpieces: Exquisite Classical Works Left by the King of Lieder. Recommended Classical Music (41–50)
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.
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.