Role

:

Composer

Country

:

Germany

Birth

:

July 22, 1808 in Dresden, Germany

Death

:

April 12, 1878 in Dresden, Germany

 

Franz Schubert was a prominent Austrian composer of the Classical and Romantic eras. He was born on January 31, 1797, in Vienna, Austria, to Franz Theodor Schubert and Elisabeth Vietz. His father was a schoolmaster and his mother was a homemaker. Schubert was the twelfth child in a family of fourteen children. His father recognized his musical talent at an early age and provided him with music lessons. Schubert's musical education began at the age of six when he started taking piano lessons from his father. He also received violin lessons from his older brother Ignaz. In 1808, he was accepted into the Imperial and Royal Seminary, where he received a thorough education in music theory, composition, and performance. He was a gifted student and excelled in his studies. Schubert's early compositions were influenced by the works of Mozart and Haydn. He wrote his first symphony at the age of sixteen, which was performed at the seminary. In 1815, he composed his first song, "Gretchen am Spinnrade," which was based on a poem by Goethe. This song marked the beginning of Schubert's career as a composer of lieder, or art songs. Schubert's most famous works are his lieder, which number over 600. He was a master of setting poetry to music, and his songs are known for their emotional depth and beauty. Some of his most famous lieder include "Erlkönig," "Der Wanderer," and "Die Forelle." Schubert's lieder were popular during his lifetime and continue to be performed and recorded today. In addition to his lieder, Schubert composed a wide variety of instrumental music, including symphonies, chamber music, and piano works. His most famous instrumental works include his "Unfinished Symphony," his "Great C Major Symphony," and his "Trout Quintet." Schubert's instrumental music is known for its lyricism, emotional depth, and innovative harmonies. Schubert's career as a composer was cut short by his untimely death at the age of 31. He suffered from syphilis, which was a common disease at the time, and his health deteriorated rapidly in his final years. Despite his illness, he continued to compose prolifically, and he wrote some of his most famous works in the last years of his life. Schubert's legacy as a composer is significant. He was a master of melody and harmony, and his music is known for its emotional depth and beauty. His influence can be heard in the works of later composers such as Brahms, Schumann, and Mahler. Schubert's music continues to be performed and recorded today, and he is considered one of the greatest composers of the Classical and Romantic eras.

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