When and where was Franz Schubert born, and what was his primary occupation?

Franz Schubert was born in Vienna, Austria, on January 31, 1797. He was a composer.

At what age did Franz Schubert die, and what were the officially attributed and theorized causes of his death?

Franz Schubert died at the age of 31 on November 19, 1828. His death was officially attributed to typhoid fever, but some historians suggest it may have been syphilis.

Who were Franz Schubert's parents, and what was his father's profession?

Franz Schubert's parents were Franz Theodor Florian Schubert and Maria Elisabeth Katharina Vietz. His father was a well-known parish schoolmaster in Vienna.

How many children did Franz Schubert's parents have, and what was the fate of most of them?

Franz Schubert's parents had a total of fourteen children, but nine of them died in infancy.

Where did Schubert receive his early musical education, and who were his primary teachers?

Schubert received his early musical education from his father, who taught him violin, and his brother Ignaz, who taught him piano. He later received private composition lessons from Antonio Salieri.

At what age did Schubert become a pupil at the Stadtkonvikt, and what significant composers' orchestral music did he encounter there?

Schubert became a pupil at the Stadtkonvikt at the age of eleven. There, he was introduced to the orchestral music of Joseph Haydn, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and Ludwig van Beethoven.

What is the approximate number of Lieder (art songs) composed by Franz Schubert?

Franz Schubert composed over 600 Lieder, which are art songs in German.

Besides Lieder, what other major genres of music did Schubert compose?

Schubert also composed seven complete symphonies, sacred music, operas, incidental music, and a large body of piano and chamber music.

Name three of Schubert's most famous individual songs mentioned in the text.

Three of Schubert's famous songs mentioned are "Erlkönig", "Gretchen am Spinnrade", and "Ave Maria".

Which of Schubert's symphonies are particularly well-known and what are their common nicknames?

Schubert's Symphony No. 8 in B minor is known as the "Unfinished" Symphony, and his Symphony No. 9 in C major is known as "The Great" Symphony.

What is considered Schubert's most significant contribution to music, and how did his approach to this genre differ from earlier composers?

Schubert's most indelible mark was made in the genre of the Lied (art song). Unlike earlier composers who tended towards simpler, strophic treatments, Schubert explored and expanded the genre's potential with dramatic content, innovative harmony, and descriptive musical figures.

How did Robert Schumann describe Schubert's Symphony No. 9?

Robert Schumann described Schubert's Symphony No. 9 in C major as running to "heavenly lengths."

What did Antonín Dvořák say about Schubert's influence on later composers?

Antonín Dvořák stated that Schubert was clearly influential on shorter works, especially Lieder and piano pieces, and that Schubert created a new epoch with the Lied, with all subsequent songwriters following his footsteps.

What are two of Schubert's most notable song cycles, and who was the poet whose works he set for these cycles?

Schubert's two most notable song cycles are "Die schöne Müllerin" and "Winterreise," both of which set poems by Wilhelm Müller.

How did Schubert's musical style, particularly in his instrumental works, differ from the more common Classical approaches?

While influenced by Classical forms, Schubert's style often emphasized melodic development over harmonic drama, leading to a discursive style that Robert Schumann described as having "heavenly lengths." His adventurous modulation and unusual instrumentation also marked his unique approach.

Who was Therese Grob, and what role did she play in Schubert's life in 1814?

Therese Grob was a young soprano whom Schubert met in 1814. He wrote several liturgical works for her, and she was a soloist in the premiere of his Mass No. 1. Schubert wished to marry her, but was prevented by law.

What significant event occurred in Schubert's life in 1816 that allowed him to focus more on composition?

In 1816, Schubert moved into his friend Schober's lodgings, having decided not to resume teaching duties, which allowed him to devote himself more fully to composition.

Who was Johann Michael Vogl, and what was his contribution to Schubert's career?

Johann Michael Vogl was a prominent baritone whom Schubert met in 1817. Vogl became one of Schubert's main proponents in Viennese musical circles, performing many of the songs Schubert wrote for him.

What were "Schubertiads," and where did many of them take place?

Schubertiads were social gatherings of Schubert and his close-knit circle of artists and students. Many of these gatherings took place in Ignaz von Sonnleithner's apartment in Vienna.

What nickname did Schubert's friends give him, and what does it mean?

Schubert's friends nicknamed him "Schwammerl," which translates to "Tubby" or "Little Mushroom."

In what year did Schubert compose his first large-scale song cycle, "Die schöne Müllerin"?

Schubert composed his first large-scale song cycle, "Die schöne Müllerin," in 1823.

What instrument inspired Schubert's Sonata in A minor, D. 821?

Schubert's Sonata in A minor, D. 821, was written for the arpeggione, an instrument that was experiencing a minor craze at the time.

What significant holiday did Schubert take in 1825, and what musical works are associated with it?

In the summer of 1825, Schubert took a holiday in Upper Austria, during which he produced the seven-song cycle "Fräulein am See," which includes "Ellens Gesang III" ("Ave Maria").

Which of Schubert's string quartets is famously known as "Death and the Maiden"?

Schubert's String Quartet No. 14 in D minor, D. 810, is known as "Death and the Maiden."

What was unique about the public concert Schubert gave on March 26, 1828?

The concert on March 26, 1828, was the only time in his career that Franz Schubert gave a public concert solely featuring his own works.

What were the last major works Schubert composed in 1828?

In 1828, Schubert composed his Mass in E-flat major, the String Quintet in C major, his last three piano sonatas, and the collection of songs known as "Schwanengesang."

Where was Franz Schubert buried, and why was this location significant?

Franz Schubert was buried, at his own request, near the grave of Ludwig van Beethoven in the village cemetery of Währing, as he had greatly admired Beethoven.

What is the inscription on Franz Schubert's tombstone, and who wrote it?

The tombstone inscription, written by his friend Franz Grillparzer, reads: "The art of music has here interred a precious treasure, but yet far fairer hopes."

How did the appreciation of Schubert's music change after his death?

Appreciation for Schubert's music increased greatly in the decades following his death, with composers like Felix Mendelssohn, Robert Schumann, Franz Liszt, and Johannes Brahms discovering and championing his works.

According to a survey by ABC Classic FM, which genre of Schubert's music was most popular among listeners?

According to a 2008 survey by ABC Classic FM, Schubert's chamber works dominated the rankings, with the "Trout Quintet" ranked first and the String Quintet in C major ranked second.

What did pianist Radu Lupu express as a regret regarding Schubert's life?

Radu Lupu expressed regret that Schubert died so young, believing that Schubert was still learning and developing, and that his potential future works were lost.

What did pianist András Schiff say about Schubert's life and genius?

András Schiff stated that Schubert lived a very concentrated life, experiencing more in his 31 years than others might in 100, and considered him one of music's natural geniuses, similar to Mozart.

Why is the numbering of Schubert's late symphonies often confusing?

The numbering of Schubert's late symphonies is confusing because different publication and cataloguing systems have assigned various numbers (7, 8, 9, and 10) to works like the "Unfinished" Symphony and the "Great C Major" Symphony.

Who compiled the first comprehensive catalogue of Schubert's works, and when was it published?

The Austrian musicologist Otto Erich Deutsch compiled the first comprehensive catalogue of Schubert's works, which was first published in English in 1951.

What was the primary reason many of Schubert's longer works remained unknown for years after his death?

Many of Schubert's longer works remained hidden in the personal collections of his family, friends, and publishers for years, and even some friends were unaware of the full scope of his compositions.

What types of pianos did Franz Schubert have access to during his lifetime?

Franz Schubert had access to pianos made by Benignus Seidner, Anton Walter & Sohn, and Conrad Graf.

What were some of Schubert's operatic projects that failed or were prohibited?

Schubert's operatic projects that faced failure or prohibition included "Alfonso und Estrella" (rejected due to libretto), "Fierrabras" (rejected due to popularity of Italian opera), "Die Verschworenen" (prohibited by censor), and "Rosamunde" (withdrawn after two nights due to the play's poor quality).

Why is the "Unfinished" Symphony (D. 759) considered remarkable, beyond its musical content?

The "Unfinished" Symphony is remarkable because Schubert left it unfinished after writing two movements and sketches for a third, and he never mentioned it to his friends, despite likely feeling thrilled by his progress.

What made Schubert's "Trout Quintet" (D. 667) unconventional in its scoring?

The "Trout Quintet" is unconventional because it is scored for piano, violin, viola, cello, and double bass, whereas traditional piano quintets are typically written for piano and string quartet.

What is the significance of the String Quartet No. 14 (D. 810) in relation to one of Schubert's songs?

The String Quartet No. 14 in D minor (D. 810) takes its name, "Death and the Maiden," from a song Schubert had previously composed based on a poem with the same title.

Why was Schubert's "Great C Major" Symphony (D. 944) not publicly performed by the Gesellschaft der Musikfreunde, despite being dedicated to them?

The exact reasons for the Gesellschaft der Musikfreunde not scheduling a public performance of Schubert's "Great C Major" Symphony remain unknown, although the symphony's difficulty is considered a possible explanation.

What is the nature of the collection known as "Schwanengesang" (D. 957)?

"Schwanengesang" is a collection of songs published posthumously, featuring poems by different poets (Ludwig Rellstab, Heinrich Heine, and Johann Gabriel Seidl), and is not considered a true song cycle like "Die schöne Müllerin" or "Winterreise."

What musical style did Schubert anticipate in his unfinished Symphony in D major (D 936A)?

In his unfinished Symphony in D major (D 936A), Schubert anticipated Gustav Mahler's use of folksong-like harmonics and bare soundscapes.

What did Ludwig van Beethoven reportedly say about Schubert's genius on his deathbed?

On his deathbed, Beethoven reportedly exclaimed about Schubert, "Truly, the spark of divine genius resides in this Schubert!" and regretted not knowing him better.

How did Franz Liszt describe Schubert's musicality?

Franz Liszt described Schubert as "the most poetic musician who ever lived."

How was the 100th anniversary of Schubert's birth (1897) commemorated?

The 100th anniversary of Schubert's birth was marked by festivals and performances dedicated to his music, with Emperor Franz Joseph recognizing him as the creator of the art song and one of Austria's favorite sons.

What musical genre did the Walt Disney film "Fantasia" (1940) feature from Schubert's work?

The Walt Disney film "Fantasia" (1940) featured Schubert's "Ave Maria" (D. 839).

In which Stanley Kubrick film was a movement from Schubert's Piano Trio No. 2 in E-Flat Major, Op. 100/D.929 featured?

The Stanley Kubrick film "Barry Lyndon" (1975) featured the second movement from Schubert's Piano Trio No. 2 in E-Flat Major, Op. 100/D.929.

What was the subject of the 1994 documentary by Christopher Nupen about Schubert?

The 1994 documentary by Christopher Nupen was titled "Franz Peter Schubert: The Greatest Love and the Greatest Sorrow."

What role did Schubert play at Beethoven's funeral?

Franz Schubert served as a torchbearer at Ludwig van Beethoven's funeral.

Which 20th-century German electronic music group released a track titled "Franz Schubert"?

The German electronic music group Kraftwerk released a track titled "Franz Schubert" on their 1977 album "Trans-Europe Express."

Franz Schubert Wiki: Franz Schubert: Architect of Lieder and Romantic Harmony

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

When you are ready...
🎮 Play the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge Game🎮

Life and Career

Early Life

Franz Peter Schubert was born in Himmelpfortgrund, Vienna, on January 31, 1797. He was the twelfth child of Franz Theodor Schubert, a parish schoolmaster, and Maria Elisabeth Katharina Vietz. Schubert displayed exceptional musical aptitude from a very young age, receiving his initial instruction from his father and elder brother before quickly surpassing their abilities.

Education and Mentorship

At age eleven, Schubert became a pupil at the Vienna Stadtkonvikt, where he was exposed to the orchestral works of Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven. He continued his composition studies privately with Antonio Salieri, Vienna's leading musical authority. Despite his formal education and later role as a schoolteacher, Schubert's true musical development flourished through continuous composition and private study.

Circle of Friends

Schubert's life was significantly shaped by his close circle of friends, including Franz von Schober and Joseph von Spaun. These relationships provided not only emotional support but also practical assistance, such as supplying manuscript paper. The gatherings known as "Schubertiads" became vital social and artistic events, fostering the performance and dissemination of his music among admirers.

Foundational Education

Early Instruction

Schubert's father provided his first violin lessons, while his brother Ignaz taught him piano. His progress was remarkably rapid, soon exceeding his teachers. Michael Holzer, the local choirmaster, also provided instruction in organ and figured bass, though he reportedly found Schubert already possessed a profound understanding of music.

Stadtkonvikt Years

From 1808, Schubert attended the Stadtkonvikt, a boarding school for musically gifted boys. Here, he encountered the symphonies and overtures of major composers, significantly broadening his musical horizons. He also gained experience leading the Stadtkonvikt's orchestra, for which he wrote his early symphonies and chamber works.

Compositional Beginnings

Even during his formal schooling, Schubert began composing prolifically. His earliest works included piano pieces, songs, and liturgical compositions. His friendship with Joseph von Spaun provided crucial support, including the supply of manuscript paper, enabling Schubert to dedicate significant time to his creative endeavors.

Professional Journey

Teaching and Early Career

After leaving the Stadtkonvikt in 1813, Schubert trained as a schoolteacher and briefly worked at his father's school. This period was marked by drudgery but also allowed him to continue private composition lessons with Salieri. He sought musical posts, including one in Laibach, but was often unsuccessful due to stringent regulations and competition.

Theatrical Ambitions

Schubert harbored significant ambitions for success in opera and stage works. He composed numerous pieces for the theatre, including operas like Die Zwillingsbrüder and Fierrabras, and incidental music for the play Rosamunde. Despite these efforts, his theatrical projects met with limited success or were outright rejected, a source of considerable frustration.

Growing Recognition

Despite setbacks, Schubert's reputation grew, particularly through performances organized by the Gesellschaft der Musikfreunde and championed by figures like the baritone Johann Michael Vogl. His only public concert dedicated solely to his works occurred in March 1828, a critical success that highlighted his growing stature among Viennese music lovers.

Musical Output

Lieder and Song Cycles

Schubert is most renowned for his approximately 630 Lieder (art songs). His settings of poetry, particularly those by Wilhelm Müller for the cycles Die schöne Müllerin and Winterreise, revolutionized the genre, imbuing songs with unprecedented dramatic depth and psychological nuance.

Instrumental Works

His instrumental compositions include seven complete symphonies, notably the Unfinished Symphony (No. 8) and the Great Symphony (No. 9). He also composed significant chamber music, such as the Trout Quintet and the Death and the Maiden Quartet, and numerous works for solo piano, showcasing his mastery of form and expressive melody.

Sacred and Stage Music

Schubert's sacred output includes seven masses and other liturgical works. While his operas and stage works were less successful during his lifetime, they represent a significant portion of his output and demonstrate his engagement with dramatic musical forms. His incidental music for Rosamunde remains widely performed.

Compositional Style

Melodic Genius

Schubert's music is characterized by its lyrical melodies and innovative harmonic language. While rooted in Classical forms, his work expanded these structures with a distinctly Romantic sensibility, often prioritizing melodic development and emotional expression over strict adherence to formal conventions.

Harmonic Exploration

His adventurous use of modulation and unconventional key relationships contributed to the unique emotional depth of his compositions. This harmonic richness is evident across his oeuvre, from intimate Lieder to grand symphonic works, reflecting a sophisticated and forward-looking compositional approach.

Piano and Chamber Music

Schubert's piano works, including his sonatas and impromptus, are celebrated for their intimacy and expressive range. His chamber music, often featuring unique instrumentation like the Trout Quintet, showcases his ability to blend intricate part-writing with memorable melodic lines, creating works of profound beauty and emotional resonance.

Enduring Legacy

Posthumous Recognition

Although Schubert's music was appreciated by a select circle during his lifetime, his reputation grew significantly after his death. Composers like Mendelssohn, Schumann, and Liszt championed his works, leading to wider performance and critical acclaim. Today, he is recognized as one of the most important composers of the Romantic era.

Influence on Music

Schubert's innovations in the Lied and his expansion of instrumental forms profoundly influenced subsequent generations of composers. His emphasis on melody, harmonic color, and emotional depth laid crucial groundwork for the development of Romantic music, impacting genres from art song to symphony.

Commemorations

Schubert's enduring impact is marked by numerous commemorations, including festivals, memorials, and the ongoing scholarly study of his vast output. His works continue to be central to the repertoire of performers and beloved by audiences worldwide, attesting to the timeless quality of his musical genius.

Musician Tributes

Contemporary Acclaim

Musicians across eras have lauded Schubert's genius. Franz Liszt described him as "the most poetic musician who ever lived." Antonín Dvořák recognized Schubert's foundational role in short musical forms and the Lied, stating, "All other songwriters have followed in his footsteps."

Reflections on Potential

The brevity of Schubert's life (he died at 31) has led to much speculation about his potential had he lived longer. While some, like Radu Lupu, expressed regret for the lost masterpieces, others, such as András Schiff, emphasize the intensity and completeness of Schubert's existing output, viewing his 31 years as a fully realized artistic life.

Modern Influence

Schubert's music continues to inspire contemporary artists. His works are frequently performed and analyzed, and his harmonic and melodic language has been acknowledged as influential by 20th and 21st-century composers. His compositions remain cornerstones of the classical music canon.

Teacher's Corner

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

Edit and Print Materials from this study in the wiki2web studio

Click here to open the "Franz Schubert" Wiki2Web Studio curriculum kit

Use the free Wiki2web Studio to generate printable flashcards, worksheets, exams, and export your materials as a web page or an interactive game.

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Learn about franz_schubert while playing the wiki2web Clarity Challenge game.

Unlock the mystery image and prove your knowledge by earning trophies. This simple game is addictively fun and is a great way to learn!

Play now

Explore More Topics

Discover other topics to study!

jewelry district providence

phenol

the gotham film media institute

airspace

ricky gervais

civil liberties

western michigan broncos men's basketball

krasnogorsk moscow oblast

continental europe

kurtka

References

"Schubert: Music, Sexuality, Culture." 19th-Century Music, 1993, 17:3â101.

Horton, Julian (2015). Schubert. Routledge, pages xiâxvii

Hewett, Ivan. "Forget the angelic Schubert myth â this biography tells the real story", The Telegraph, 2 July 2023

McKay (1996), p. 313: "That Schubert in no way considered the songs as a cycle is confirmed by his letter to Probst of 2 October mentioning that he had recently written 'several songs by Heine'."

McKay, Elizabeth (1997). Franz Schubert. In: The New Grove Dictionary of Opera. London and New York: Macmillan

Kreissle (1869), pp. 297â332, in which Grove recounts his visit to Vienna.

A full list of references for this article are available at the Franz Schubert Wikipedia page

Feedback & Support

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Disclaimer

Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not professional musicological advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional consultation regarding music history, theory, or performance practice. Always refer to authoritative sources and consult with qualified musicologists or historians for in-depth analysis and specific insights.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

Franz Schubert

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Life and Career 📜

👶 Early Life

🎓 Education and Mentorship

🤝 Circle of Friends

Foundational Education 🎓

🎻 Early Instruction

🏛️ Stadtkonvikt Years

✍️ Compositional Beginnings

Professional Journey 💼

🏫 Teaching and Early Career

🎭 Theatrical Ambitions

🌟 Growing Recognition

Musical Output 🎵

🎶 Lieder and Song Cycles

🎻 Instrumental Works

⛪ Sacred and Stage Music

Compositional Style 🎨

💡 Melodic Genius

🔄 Harmonic Exploration

🎹 Piano and Chamber Music

Enduring Legacy ⭐

📈 Posthumous Recognition

📚 Influence on Music

🏛️ Commemorations

Musician Tributes 🏆

🗣️ Contemporary Acclaim

🤔 Reflections on Potential

🎵 Modern Influence

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

True or False? 🤔

❓ Test Your Knowledge! ❓

Gamer's Corner 🎮

Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Explore More Topics

📜 Discover other topics to study!

References

📜 References

Feedback & Support 👍

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Life and Career

Early Life

Education and Mentorship

Circle of Friends

Foundational Education

Early Instruction

Stadtkonvikt Years

Compositional Beginnings

Professional Journey

Teaching and Early Career

Theatrical Ambitions

Growing Recognition

Musical Output

Lieder and Song Cycles

Instrumental Works

Sacred and Stage Music

Compositional Style

Melodic Genius

Harmonic Exploration

Piano and Chamber Music

Enduring Legacy

Posthumous Recognition

Influence on Music

Commemorations

Musician Tributes

Contemporary Acclaim

Reflections on Potential

Modern Influence

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice