Britannica
Sources used in this answer
Which major works did Franz Schubert compose during his final year?
Created from Britannica articles
using AI.
AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
Franz Schubert
Portrait of Franz Schubert, oil on wood by Gábor Melegh, 1827; in the Hungarian National Gallery, Budapest.
During his final year (1828), Franz Schubert composed a remarkable succession of masterpieces despite his declining health. His major works from this period include:1
- Orchestral and Choral Works: He concluded the Great Symphony (also known as the Symphony No. 9 in C Major) in March and completed the cantata Miriams Siegesgesang (Miriam’s Victory Song). In June, he worked on his sixth mass, in E-flat Major.1
- Piano Works: Early in the year, he wrote the Fantasy in F Minor, his greatest piano duet. In September and early October, he composed his final three piano sonatas (in C Minor, A Major, and B-flat Major).1
- Chamber Music: He completed the celebrated String Quintet in C Major, often described as the swan song of the Classical era in music.1
- Songs: In August, he returned to songwriting, producing a series of works published collectively as the Schwanengesang (Swan Song).1