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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Masterpieces by Franz Schubert: Sparkling classical works left by the King of Song. Recommended classical music (51–60)
String Quartet No. 14 in D minor, D 810 “Death and the Maiden”, Fourth MovementFranz Schubert
The year before 1824, when Schubert is said to have begun this work, he suffered from ill health, and perhaps as a result, all four movements are written in a minor key, giving the piece a distinctly sorrowful mood.
The work was officially published two and a half years after Schubert’s death.
The urgent, tarantella-like finale is striking for its powerful character, with dramatic melodies woven throughout.
Because the second movement quotes the melody of his famous song “Der Tod und das Mädchen” (Death and the Maiden), this piece is also affectionately known as “Death and the Maiden.”
wild roseFranz Schubert
Heidenröslein is a song in which Franz Schubert set music to a poem by the German poet Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.
It is well known in Japan and is used for school chimes and train departure melodies.
Many people may have sung it with the Japanese lyrics that begin “Warabe wa mitari.” Because the original song has a very simple melody, it is easy to play on the piano.
As you play gently, imagine the charm of a little wild rose blooming in the fields.
Piano Sonata No. 17 in D major, D 850Franz Schubert
This is a piano sonata composed in 1825.
All four movements are written in a major key.
The first movement is a lively Allegro vivace.
The second movement, the longest, marked Con moto, has been described as having a “heavenly length.” The third movement, Scherzo, is characterized by its dotted rhythms.
The performance is by Christian Zacharias.
String Quartet No. 14 in D minor, D 810 “Death and the Maiden”Franz Schubert
It is a string quartet composed in 1824.
It was published posthumously in 1831.
Because it quotes the motif from Schubert’s song “Der Tod und das Mädchen” (Death and the Maiden), the quartet itself is also commonly known as “Death and the Maiden.” At the time, Schubert’s body was ravaged by illness.
From this work—whose every movement is written in a minor key—we can glimpse Schubert’s state of mind during that period.
Franz Schubert’s Masterpieces: Sparkling Classical Works Left by the King of Song. Recommended Classical Music (61–70)
Sentimental Waltz, D 779 Op. 50 No. 13Franz Schubert
Franz Schubert’s Sentimental Waltz, D 779, Op.
50 No.
13, is a piano piece whose relaxed tempo and graceful melody create a pleasant impression.
Published in 1825, it is said to have been regarded as one of Schubert’s popular works since its composition in 1823.
The charm of this piece lies in how, while grounded in the waltz’s fundamental triple meter, the performer can freely shape tempo and nuance to follow the contours of the melody and the flow of phrases.
By attending to the resonance of the accompaniment’s harmonies and balancing the right and left hands, you can fully savor the atmosphere of refined, elegant salon music.
Moments Musicaux D780 Op.94 No. 3Franz Schubert
The third piece from the six-piece piano collection Moments Musicaux is a piano work that many people encounter in everyday life, as it is often used in TV commercials.
It has also reportedly been used as incidental music in films and as a train departure melody.
Over a steady, unvarying left-hand accompaniment, an evocative right-hand melody built from chords unfolds.
While it’s performed at various tempos, a calm interpretation is also beautiful, so there’s no need to insist on speeding it up.
Enjoy playing it while savoring the piece’s noble atmosphere.
Piano Sonata No. 18 in G major, D 894, Op. 78 “Fantasy”Franz Schubert
Composed around 1826, when Franz Schubert was 28, this four-movement masterpiece is known as the “Fantasy Sonata,” a name derived from the word “Fantasia” written on its first edition.
While Schubert’s Piano Sonatas Nos.
19, 20, and 21 are especially famous, No.
18 is also highly popular.
Robert Schumann, a leading composer of the German Romantic tradition and a renowned critic, praised it as “perfect both in form and spirit.” Even today, this “Fantasy Sonata” is regarded as one of Schubert’s most esteemed works and is an essential part of a pianist’s repertoire.
It was the last work published during Schubert’s lifetime, and, true to a composer who wrote many songs and dances, it features not only great beauty but also movements that compellingly incorporate dance rhythms—making it a piece you’ll want to hear all the way to the end.