A Look Back On Franz Schubert

Franz Schubert
Photo by Walter A. Aue

Dying at thirty-one is a tragedy. It often signifies a life cut short, unfulfilled. However, that cannot be said about one of the music world’s greatest composers. The incredibly talented Austrian composer Franz Schubert did pass away at thirty-one, but despite his early demise, he has emerged as one of history’s most influential musical forces. His compositions appeal not only to classical music enthusiasts but also to music lovers worldwide.

Antonio Salieri was a discerning judge of talent. After all, he knew of Mozart’s genius and eventually became consumed by it. So when he recognized the talent of another musician, it carried weight. He saw in one young man a future master. This is not surprising considering that as a teenager, Schubert was already composing pieces that caught the attention of some very important figures.

Schubert was no one-hit wonder. His contributions to music spanned his entire life. By the age of twenty-three, he had already composed two operas, ‘Die Zwillingsbruder’ and ‘Die Zauberharfe’. And his talent extended beyond opera. Just look at his symphonies, sonatas, string quartets, and lieder.

The magnificent ‘Symphony No. 8 in B Minor’ is considered one of Schubert’s most famous works. It is sometimes referred to as the ‘Unfinished Symphony’. This symphony is shrouded in mystery. Interestingly, it consists of only two movements. It was never completed, despite the fact that Schubert lived six more years after completing the initial two parts. Regardless of what happened, it is still cherished today as a remarkable symphony.

‘Death and the Maiden’, or ‘Der Tod und das Madchen’ in German, is perhaps his best-known string quartet. It is a spine-tingling work in four movements. Even though it is nearly two centuries old, it can still be heard today in film soundtracks.

Tragically, Schubert’s health began to fail in the late 1820s. This fact becomes even more poignant when you consider that he was still in his late twenties. As he neared the end, he expressed a desire to listen to Beethoven’s ‘String Quartet No. 14 in C Sharp Minor’. Perhaps this wish reflected one half of a mutual admiration society. The other half was Beethoven’s sorrow upon hearing of Schubert’s passing.

Franz Schubert passed away in 1828 at the age of thirty-one. Perhaps his legacy is best summed up by the words of one of today’s prominent music critics, who wrote that Schubert’s work is central to our lives. Not too shabby for someone who didn’t make it to thirty-two.

Manuel Marino

Manuel Marino is a seasoned Senior Producer, Music Composer, and Artist with over a decade of experience. He specializes in branded entertainment across various mediums, including video games, films, and advertising campaigns. With 20+ years as a game music composer, Manuel has worked on numerous platforms, creating diverse orchestral soundtracks. HIRE ME