Schubert (with CD)

Author: Geng Jie
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-12-01
Features: Schubert (Austrian, Franz Peter, 1797-1828), known as the "King of Art Songs," whose songs (over 600) and piano works, along with his orchestral and chamber music, embody the Romantic musical style and are among the pioneers of Romantic music. However, his symphonies and chamber music retain the style of the Classical period, inheriting the traditions of Classical music. Thus, Schubert's musical style possesses a dual nature, blending both Classical and Romantic elements, making him a figure who bridges two musical eras. Schubert consciously elevated harmonic and instrumental accompaniment—pure musical elements—to the same level of importance as poetry and melody. His melodies are highly complete entities, reflecting pure musical imagery through the imagery of poetry, unbound by conventions, and rich in originality. While it was not uncommon in Classical songs for music and poetry to merge, in Romantic songs, works that faithfully translated the content and atmosphere of poetry into music became the majority. Schubert's instrumental works strive for classical clarity and successfully master the organizational structure of symphonies. However, the movements lack tight connections, and there is no unified dominant idea.