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: Glittering classical works left by the King of Song. Recommended classical music (81–90)
In the evening glow D799Franz Schubert
This is one of the gem-like song masterpieces left by Franz Schubert, the Austrian composer of whom the nation is proud.
Through the glow of evening, it praises the beauty of God’s creation, unfolding in a serene atmosphere.
Its graceful melody in A-flat major and the piano’s arpeggiated accompaniment move listeners deeply.
Composed in 1824 or 1825, the piece breathes life into the words of the poet Karl Lappe, exploring the transience of life and inner peace through the scene of twilight.
It is a recommended work for those who are moved by the beauty of nature or who wish to quietly reflect on life.
Swan Song D957/965aFranz Schubert
This is a collection of 14 lieder that publishers and friends compiled after Schubert’s death.
In other words, Schubert himself did not assemble it as a song cycle, and the 14 songs do not form a unified whole.
Songs 1–7 set poems by Rellstab, songs 8–13 set poems by Heine, and song 14 sets a poem by Seidl.
In particular, the fourth song, Serenade, is well known; it has been arranged for various instruments and is frequently performed.
The singer is Hermann Prey, with Gerald Moore at the piano.
Gretchen at the Spinning Wheel, D118Franz Schubert
This song was composed in 1814, when Schubert was 17 years old.
It sets a text from Goethe’s Faust, Part I.
Not only is it Schubert’s first Goethe song, but some commentators also regard it as the very moment of birth for the German-language art song—the German Lied.
Many other composers, including Wagner, Spohr, and Verdi, have also set this poem to music.
Conspirator D787 – OvertureFranz Schubert
It is an opera composed in 1823.
The original title, “The Conspirators,” failed to pass censorship and was changed to “Domestic War (The Rebels).” The work is an operatic adaptation of a comedy by Franz Castelli, itself based on Aristophanes’ Lysistrata (The Women’s Peace), written in 411 BCE.
It centers on an anti-war movement by women who stage a sex strike.
Although it deals with anti-war themes, it is a very lighthearted comedy.
Schubert MedleyFranz Schubert
This is a medley of masterpieces left by Franz Schubert, known as the king of Lieder, whose musical style embraced free modulation and elements of program music.
His expansive, free-flowing music is captivating, and he remains a composer loved around the world today.
Impromptu Op. 90 No. 3Franz Schubert
Franz Schubert’s Impromptu Op.
90 No.
3 is distinguished by its graceful melody.
Its gentle flow allows for expressive nuance and emotional depth, making it a guaranteed showpiece on any recital stage.
If you can accurately control the ever-moving left-hand accompaniment at a comfortable tempo while being mindful of phrase connections and dynamics, your performance will reach the next level.
This piece is packed with the essential elements needed for those looking to advance beyond the intermediate stage, so why not take this opportunity to give it a try?
Trout (arranged by Liszt)Franz Schubert
This piece is a piano solo arrangement of a song by Franz Schubert, made by Franz Liszt.
Through the story of a trout swimming in a clear stream and the fisherman who aims to catch it, it conveys a lesson about life.
Liszt adds brilliant, piano-specific virtuosity without diminishing the original’s beauty.
Arpeggios and ornaments that evoke the flow of the river and the movements of the trout are used effectively, rendering visual scenes through sound.
It is recommended for those interested in the beauty of nature and the morals of human society, as well as for listeners who enjoy technically dazzling piano performances.
30 Easy Minuets and Trios, No. 8Franz Schubert
The collection is titled “30 Easy Minuets and Trios,” but since 10 pieces are actually missing, it has effectively become “20 Easy Minuets and Trios.” It was composed by Schubert in his teenage years.
No.
8, which is discussed here, is a minuet with a trio interlude and runs just under two minutes; it should be perfectly playable without advanced technique.
If you keep the staccatos crisp, play the slurs smoothly, and pay attention to contrasts—especially with the character change in the trio—you should find it easy to shape the expression.
Three Ecossaises, D.816Franz Schubert
Three Ecossaises, D.
816, composed using the rhythm of the Scottish folk dance “ecossaise,” which was popular in France and England from the late 18th to the early 19th century.
With its lively duple meter and bright character, this piece is invigorating whether you play it or listen to it.
To convey its briskness, it’s important to align the vertical timing of the left and right hands and reproduce the rhythm accurately.
Be sure to depress the keys all the way to the bottom and aim for a crisp, snappy tone when you play!
Three Piano Pieces (Impromptus), No. 2 in E-flat major, D 946Franz Schubert
Composed in May 1828 by Franz Schubert, a leading Romantic composer of late-19th-century America, this piece is a late masterpiece written about six months before Schubert’s death and is structured in rondo form.
The main theme has a lyrical, calm character, and the piece is notable for a structure interwoven with two episodes.
Showcasing Schubert’s rich melodic sensibility and distinctive harmonic progressions, it is also recommended for beginner pianists.
With the left hand clearly accompanying and the right hand carrying the melody, you can gradually immerse yourself in Schubert’s musical world by practicing the more difficult middle section slowly.
If you’re interested in classical music, why not take this opportunity to give it a try?