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: Exquisite Classical Works Left by the King of Lieder. Recommended Classical Music (41–50)
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.
Swan Song D957/965a No. 4 “Serenade”Franz Schubert
Composed in 1828, it is commonly known as Schubert’s Serenade.
This piece is the fourth song in Schubert’s song cycle Schwanengesang and is one of the most famous among his lieder.
Schwanengesang consists of 14 songs set to poems by three poets—Rellstab, Heine, and Seidl.
This song, Serenade, is based on a poem by Rellstab.
To Music, Op. 88 No. 4, D 547Franz Schubert
Composed in 1817, it is a song with piano accompaniment.
It sets to music a poem by his friend Ritter von Schober.
In D major and cut time (2/2), the music is written with clarity, yet it employs effects that make the voice and piano sound as if they are in dialogue.
It is regarded as a masterpiece that directly expresses Schubert’s love and gratitude for music.
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.”
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
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.
Impromptus, Op. 90 No. 3 in G-flat majorFranz Schubert
Four Impromptus, Op.
90 No.
3, created by Franz Schubert, a leading composer of the Romantic era.
It is a work marked by a gentle yet deeply expressive melody.
Schubert’s characteristically broad, flowing melodic lines and the ceaseless arpeggiated accompaniment invite the listener into a peaceful, contented state.
In the middle section, repeated modulations drive an adventurous exploration of harmony, adding depth and variety to the musical character.
Possessing the qualities of a “song” that needs no words, this impromptu, like Schubert’s lieder, is a masterpiece filled with rich expressiveness and beauty.