Composer Study: Schubert
General Characteristics of the Romantic Period:
A new interest in nature
Fascination with the past, and stories from an ancient time
Interest in personal feelings
Interest in the infinite and spiritual experiences
Concerts were more and more for ordinary people, not just aristocrats
Characteristics of Romantic Period Music:
Use of more dynamics
Emotions changed within one movement or piece
Music was often “programmatic” or telling a story
New ideas and experiments in harmony and colors
Instruments were changing and more were being invented, so orchestras got larger too
Resources
Recommended Listening
Piano Music
Impromptu Op. 90, No. 4 (D.899) in A flat Major (played on a replica of the piano that Schubert would have played)
Impromptu in A flat Major (D.953) (played on a replica of a fortepiano)
Moment Musical Op. 94 (D.780) No. 3 in F minor
Lieder (Songs)
“Ave Maria”
Chamber Music
String Quintet in C Major, Op. 163 (D.956) Schubert wrote this music for string quartet with a second cello added. This recording features Yo Yo Ma as one of the cellists
Symphonic Music
Symphony No. 8 in B minor “Unfinished” played by the Vienna Philharmonic
‘Kyrie’ from Mass No. 6 in E flat (D. 950) – This is the first movement from the Mass. The words are in Latin, and the translation is “Lord, have mercy, Christ have mercy, Lord have mercy”
Recommended Reading
Early Elementary
This looks like a very sweet book for children, but the description says it includes a record, so you might not be able to play it unless you have a record player. Still, a paperback copy would be worth it just for the story.
Middle Grades
High School and Adults
This is a 4 hour, 30-minute audiobook with many examples of Schubert’s music throughout. It may contain mature themes.