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)
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?
Masterpieces by Franz Schubert: Sparkling classical works left by the King of Song. Recommended classical music (51–60)
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 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.
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
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.
Symphony No. 8 in B minor, D. 759 “Unfinished”Franz Schubert
Schubert was an Austrian composer.
No one knows why his Symphony No.
8 in B minor is unfinished.
Schubert handed the score of the unfinished Symphony No.
8 in B minor to his friend Hüttenbrenner.
About forty years later, Hüttenbrenner found the incomplete score at the back of a desk drawer and gave it to Johann Herbeck, the conductor of the Vienna Philharmonic, where it received great acclaim at its Vienna premiere in 1865.
Impromptu, Op. 90 No. 4Franz Schubert
An impromptu by Franz Schubert, captivating for its graceful melodies and richly expressive harmonies.
Composed in 1827, this work is renowned as a masterpiece that epitomizes Schubert’s mature period.
It begins with arpeggios, and in the middle section the tonality shifts, drawing listeners into a dreamlike musical journey.
Its delicate yet powerful melody will further enhance the performer’s expressive range.
It’s also a highly recommended piece for those looking to refine their piano technique.