Schubert's Amazing Range of Compositions: From Fish to Ave Maria

Franz Peter Schubert, one of the most celebrated composers in music history, left behind an enormous legacy of over 600 art songs, known as Lieder. These songs are typically written for solo voice and piano accompaniment with poetic texts. While many people know Schubert through his iconic works such as 'Unfinished Symphony,' few realize the breadth of his musical output.

One fascinating aspect of Schubert's music is its variety. For instance, he wrote two works about fish specifically: a Lied warning young women not to be caught by 'angling youths' and a Piano Quintet with variations based on the melody of the song as its 4th Movement. If you're a piano enthusiast, you may know his Impromptus, a collection of short, amazing pieces for solo piano.

Schubert's setting of Ave Maria is one of his most beloved works. This beautiful piece showcases the composer's mastery of harmony and melody. While many people know Schubert through his symphonies (he composed 9, not just 8!), his Lieder and chamber music are equally impressive.

It's worth noting that Schubert's life was cut short when he died at age 31 after several years of illness. Despite this, he left behind a vast collection of works, including his famous Lied 'Erlkönig,' which features a terrifying poem by Goethe as its text.

In contrast to Schubert, the French composer Ernest Chausson died at a relatively young age of 45, leaving behind a smaller but still impressive catalogue of works. Schubert's legacy serves as a reminder that even in the face of mortality, an artist can leave behind a lasting impact on music and art.

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