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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.

Masterpieces by Franz Schubert: Sparkling classical works left by the King of Song. Recommended classical music (51–60)

Wanderer FantasyFranz Schubert

Schubert / Fantasy in C major “Wanderer Fantasy,” D 760, Op. 15 / Atsushi Imada
Wanderer FantasyFranz Schubert

Franz Schubert, a great composer who represents Romantic music.

While many great composers are often blessed with instrumental talent from a young age, Schubert could hardly be called a virtuoso.

Even so, he did write highly virtuosic works, and among them the most famous is the Wanderer Fantasy.

It is said that even Schubert himself found this piece difficult to play and would often grumble, “Let the devil play a piece like this.”

Military March No. 1Franz Schubert

Schubert: Military March No. 1 [03_Recommended Classical Piano Piece with Four-Hand Sheet Music]
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.

Moments Musicaux No. 3Franz Schubert

Although this piece has been used as a railway departure melody, many people are surprisingly unfamiliar with it.

Schubert, often called the King of Song, also displayed remarkable originality in his solo piano works, and this piece is one that represents that very Schubert.

Three Military Marches, D.733 Op.51 No. 1Franz Schubert

Military March No. 1 (Schubert) – Schubert: Military March No. 1 in D major – pianomaedaful
Three Military Marches, D.733 Op.51 No. 1Franz Schubert

Franz Schubert’s masterpiece Three Military Marches, frequently performed by orchestras and wind ensembles, is a collection notable for its dazzling, RPG-like melodies accompanied by fanfare figures.

Among them, the especially recommended piece is the first of the Three Military Marches.

As the opening work of the set, it is in 2/4 time and D major, and its brilliant melody exudes a sense of uplift, evoking the beginning of an adventure or journey.

Serenade, No. 4 from SchwanengesangFranz Schubert

A song to listen to when you’re feeling depressed or have hit a wall.

In work, school, family—life confronts us with all kinds of problems.

We have to take steps to solve them, but more than anything our hearts feel squeezed tight.

In the rush, without a moment to catch our breath, we suddenly realize our energy has been drained.

At times like that, the song’s wistful, sorrowful melody gives us a reason to pause and rest.

Thinking things through is necessary.

But for now, why not surrender yourself to the world of this song and find some calm?

Arpeggione Sonata in A minor, D.821Franz Schubert

Franz Schubert : Sonata for arpeggione & fortepiano – 1. Allegro moderato
Arpeggione Sonata in A minor, D.821Franz Schubert

It is Franz Schubert’s Arpeggione Sonata in A minor, D 821.

The piece was written for the arpeggione, a six-string bowed instrument resembling a smaller cello, invented in 1824 by the Viennese guitar maker Johann Georg Stauffer.

However, by the time it was published in 1871, the arpeggione had fallen out of use, so it came to be performed on instruments such as the cello, viola, and double bass.

Sonatina in A minorFranz Schubert

Schubert Sonata in A Minor D385 – Patricia Kopatchinskaja & Fazıl Say
Sonatina in A minorFranz Schubert

Schubert is best known for his songs, but he also wrote numerous pieces for the violin.

A sonatina is a work built on sonata form, but with a more concise musical structure than a full sonata.

Even so, despite its concision, the interplay is highly elaborate, giving a sense of quality that can surpass that of a sonata.

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.

Symphony No. 7 “Unfinished”Franz Schubert

Tennstedt Conducts: Schubert: Symphony No. 8 “Unfinished” (1984 Live)
Symphony No. 7 “Unfinished”Franz Schubert

Following Beethoven’s Symphony No.

5 “Fate” and Dvořák’s Symphony No.

9 “From the New World,” this Symphony No.

7 “Unfinished” is also extremely popular; together they are known as the “Three Great Symphonies.” Composed by Schubert, who wrote a vast number of songs, the reason it remained unfinished is still not clearly known.

With a touch of melancholy yet graced by elegant melodies passed among various instruments, its mysterious beauty makes it a particularly captivating work.

Symphony No. 7 “Unfinished,” Second MovementFranz Schubert

Schubert Symphony No. 7, Unfinished, Movement II — Vienna Philharmonic
Symphony No. 7 “Unfinished,” Second MovementFranz Schubert

A delicate melody that makes you sigh seems to gently soothe your fatigue.

Its fragility—so fine you might say, “touch it and it will fall”—seems to melt even the most frayed heart into calm.