How did Beethoven’s death affect Franz Schubert’s later instrumental music?

Ludwig van Beethoven’s death in 1827 had a profound impact on Franz Schubert, influencing the character of his final instrumental compositions. Following this event, Schubert’s later works began to exhibit a more intellectual and profound quality that was akin to the style of Beethoven.1

While Schubert’s own strong individuality remained central to his music, works such as the Piano Trio in E-flat Major (1827) and the Piano Sonata in C Minor (1828) clearly suggest the authority of Beethoven. This shift toward a more complex musical depth marked a significant evolution in Schubert's output during his final years, a period that also produced other masterpieces such as the String Quintet in C Major and his final three piano sonatas.1