Franz Schubert

Born in 1797 and dying in 1828 – Beethoven himself died in 1827 - Schubert is usually seen as one of the first Romantics rather than the last of the Classicists. The influence of Beethoven can be most seen in the symphonies and chamber music though by the time of the 'Unfinished' and 'Great' Symphonies (Nos. 7 & 9) Schubert possessed his own powerful musical voice.

Schubert was not a musician of outstanding capabilities like Mozart or Beethoven so the profitable arena of concert performing was closed to him, nor did he possess wealthy patrons in an era when such a system was in decline. Schubert's outstanding area, which garnered him most acclaim in his lifetime was his Lieder. Social gatherings where were they were performed with the composer at the piano were called Schubertiads. Schubert died of syphilis before his unique talent brought him the rewards he so richly deserved.

Key Works: Symphonies Nos. 5, 8 (Unfinished), 9 (Great), Trout Quintet, String Quintet, String Quartet No. 14 'Death and the Maiden', Impromptus, Piano Sonata No. 21, Lieder - Erlkonig, Die Forelle (The Trout), Ganymed, Gretchen am Spinnrade, Song Cycles - Die schöne Mullerin, Schwanengesang, Winterreise

Key Artists: Claudio Abbado, Elly Ameling, Daniel Barenboim, Thomas Beecham, Ian Bostridge, Alfred Brendel, Adrian Boult, Clifford Curzon, Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, Han Hotter, Gerald Moore, Wolfgang Sawallisch, Elisabeth Schwarzkopf, Bryn Terfel

Influenced by: Beethoven, Mozart
Influenced: Berlioz, Brahms, Britten, Bruckner, Mendelssohn, Schumann