Franz Schubert

Franz Schubert was an Austrian composer of the late Classical and early Romantic eras, born in 1797 and died in 1828.

Franz Schubert was an Austrian composer of the late Classical and early Romantic eras, born in 1797 and died in 1828. He is especially known for his songs (Lieder), chamber music, symphonies, and piano works, and is widely regarded as one of the major composers in Western classical music. His works are part of the standard repertoire of Canadian orchestras, chamber groups, choirs, and university music programs, and his songs and chamber works are frequently performed in Canada.

Life and background

Franz Schubert was born in the Himmelpfortgrund area near Vienna and spent most of his life in the city. He died at age 31, and his brief career nonetheless produced an exceptionally large body of work.

Musical style and importance

Schubert is known for melodic richness, harmonic invention, and expressive vocal writing. His songs helped establish the Lied as a major concert genre and influenced later Romantic composers.

Major works

His best-known works include the song cycle Winterreise, Die schöne Müllerin, the Unfinished Symphony, and the song commonly known as Ave Maria. He also wrote a large quantity of chamber, piano, sacred, and stage music.

Legacy

Schubert is now ranked among the most important composers in Western classical music. His music remained influential after his death and became central to the concert repertoire.