Franz Schubert was born on this day, January 31, in 1797. Tragically, he only lived to see 31 of his 219 birthdays since. In the short time which fate allowed him, he was extremely prolific as a composer, writing seven complete symphonies, (and starting but never finishing one of the most beautiful ever written,) a large body of piano and chamber works, and hundreds of songs, both sacred and secular – the latter included, like a true German, a collection of drinking songs.
Like the great Beethoven, of whom he complained “who can hope to do anything after Beethoven?” he straddled the Classical Era of Western music, (1700-1800) and the Romantic (1800-1900). While Beethoven is recognised as the human bridge between the two eras, who pushed the Classical form to its limits, writing music which embodied the revolutionary ideals of the time, and expressing the very essence of his being through his music, I view Schubert’s music as being of a style and era all of its own.
One of his most famous works, and most popular among pianists just entering the higher echelons of prowess, is the Impromptu in G flat major D.899, Opus 90, Number 3. Like most of his music for piano, it requires a gentle touch, exquisite technique without being showy, and possesses otherworldly beauty.
I hope you enjoy this recording by British pianist Paul Lewis.
Photo by Internet Archive Book Images