Franz Schubert

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Franz Schubert (1797-1828), born in Vienna to immigrant parents, created an extraordinary body of work in his brief life, including symphonies, chamber music, opera, church music, and over 600 songs. His notable compositions, such as the 'Trout' Quintet, 'Unfinished' Symphony, and song cycles Die Schone Mullerin and Winterreise, are now celebrated as masterpieces. However, many of these works were overlooked or deemed failures during his lifetime. In her biography, Elizabeth Norman McKay vividly portrays Schubert and his environment, delving into his family background, education, friendships, and encounters with the repressive authorities of his time. She explores his engagement with the arts, literature, and theater, as well as his relationships within the musical community. Schubert's manic-depressive temperament significantly influenced his life, contributing to his social challenges and professional struggles. McKay also examines the impact of syphilis on his physical decline, its effects on his music, and his hedonistic lifestyle, ultimately investigating the circumstances surrounding his death at the age of 31.