Schubert’s Ingenuity

Though he had a short life, Franz Schubert packed an unbelievable amount of composing into his 31 years. As a young man, he experimented freely with writing string quartets and his innate lyrical sensibilities shine through clearly in his 1817 String Trio in B-flat major, written when he was 20 years old. While he may lull you into a sense of security with the work’s string sonority, he soon introduces daring modulations and exciting rhythms. Written only 10 years later, though after finding much inspiration from his peers and mentors, his Fantasy for Violin and Piano is a long, impressive tour de force for both the violinist and the pianist.