Composer - Schubert - p. 84-85 Flashcards
What years did Schubert live? How old was he when he died?
1797 - 1828 (31 years old)
Where was Schubert born?
Vienna, Austria
Give 3 facts of Schubert’s family background and education.
Schubert’s father was a schoolmaster (teacher) and taught him violin and piano.
Schubert played viola in the family string quartet
Schubert was admitted to the Imperial Chapel Choir school (similar to Haydn who was accepted into St. Stephen’s Cathedral choir).
Antonio Salieri (composer) taught Schubert theory and composition.
What was Schubert’s first job?
He became a teacher at his father’s school. (psst…apparently he was reading all the time instead of teaching. He couldn’t stand being a teacher and quit after 3 years.)
After Schubert quite being a teacher, what was his career like?
Schubert worked as a freelance musician (so no stable job) and was quite poor.
He sold some of his work privately, often for a low price (a story is that he swapped a piece for a meal).
He worked for the Esterhazy family in Hungary in the summer of 1818.
Who were Schubert’s supporters?
Schubert’s friends and admirers, included baritone Johann Michael Vogl.
The Sonnleithner (a well known family of Viennese amateur musicians and composers) started showcasing Schubert’s works in musical evenings. These evening events became known as Schubertiades.
Did Schubert and Beethoven have any interaction?
Schubert visited Beethoven once only - when Beethoven was on his death bed in 1827.
Which two periods’ traits does Schubert’s music combine?
Classical and Romantic traits.
Describe the Classical trait in Schubert’s music.
-Formal structure (such as sonata cycle and sonata form)
-Standard Classical orchestra (smaller and with fewer instruments than Romantic orchestra)
Describe the Romantic trait in Schubert’s music.
-use of chromatic harmony
- mixed uses of major and minor tonality
- unexpected modulations (change of keys)
Who famous musicians/poet influenced Schubert and how?
Mozart - lyrical melodic style
Beethoven - symphonic writing
Goethe, a German Romantic poet - Schubert used Goethe’s poetry in his lieder
Describe Schubert’s contributions to art songs.
-Composed over 600 lieder (including Erlking)
-Used harmony to highlight key words (word painting)
- increased role of piano and piano accompaniment often depicts specific aspects of the poem
Describe the mood/feeling that’s common in Schubert’s works.
-Added strong emotions into vocal works
-vocal lyricism is in all of his works
-Intense and even troubled feelings such as sorrows often found in his many of his works
How many symphonies did Schubert compose?
9 (just like Beethoven!)
Symphony no. 8 has a nickname of “Unfinished” because it only has 2 movements.
Other than symphonies (9) and Lieder (over 600!!), what other genres did Schubert/
- Chamber, e.g. string quartets
- Piano, e.g. sonatas
- Song cycles
- Vocal
