Franz Schubert

Definition

Franz Schubert was an influential Austrian composer who lived during the late Classical and early Romantic periods, known for his prolific output of lieder (songs), symphonies, and chamber music. His work is marked by melodic richness and emotional depth, making significant contributions to the development of Romantic period music, especially in the realm of vocal and piano compositions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Schubert composed over 600 lieder, which explore a wide range of emotions and themes, showcasing his ability to fuse text and music seamlessly.
2. He wrote his Symphony No. 9 in C major, also known as 'The Great,' which is celebrated for its grand scale and innovative orchestration.
3. Schubert's works often feature lyrical melodies and rich harmonies, characteristics that would later influence many Romantic composers.
4. Despite dying young at age 31, Schubert's music gained significant recognition posthumously, influencing later composers like Brahms and Mahler.
5. He was a key figure in transitioning from the Classical style of composers like Haydn and Mozart to the more expressive Romantic style that followed.

Review Questions

• How did Franz Schubert's approach to composition reflect the characteristics of Romantic period music?
  • Franz Schubert's approach to composition was deeply intertwined with the essence of Romantic period music, primarily through his emphasis on emotion and individual expression. His lieder demonstrated a unique ability to convey deep feelings through melodic lines that complemented the poetry they set to music. This integration of text and melody became a hallmark of Romanticism, allowing listeners to experience a profound emotional journey through his works.
• Discuss the impact of Schubert's lieder on the development of vocal music in the Romantic era.
  • Schubert's lieder had a lasting impact on vocal music during the Romantic era by elevating the art song to new artistic heights. He crafted songs that were not only musically sophisticated but also deeply expressive, transforming the relationship between singer and pianist. This partnership became a model for future composers, as Schubert's use of harmonic innovation and emotional depth set a standard for storytelling through music that influenced many subsequent generations.
• Evaluate how Franz Schubert's Symphony No. 8 exemplifies his unique style and its significance in the transition from Classical to Romantic music.
  • Franz Schubert's Symphony No. 8, often referred to as the 'Unfinished Symphony,' exemplifies his unique style through its rich melodies and emotional depth while illustrating the transition from Classical to Romantic music. The symphony features two completed movements that are notable for their lyrical themes and innovative orchestration, which contrast with the more structured forms of earlier symphonies. Its unfinished status has sparked intrigue over the years, but it remains a pivotal work that highlights Schubert's contributions to orchestral music and foreshadows the expanded expressive capabilities found in later Romantic symphonies.

Related terms

Lieder: A type of German song, typically for solo voice and piano, that became prominent in the Romantic era, with Schubert being one of its most celebrated composers.

Symphony No. 8: Also known as the 'Unfinished Symphony,' this work by Schubert is famous for its emotional expressiveness and has two completed movements that showcase his unique style.

Romanticism:

An artistic movement that emphasized emotion, nature, and individualism, significantly influencing music, literature, and the visual arts during the late 18th and 19th centuries.