Franz Schubert, a retiring person, sang as one of the imperial boy singers responsible for the music in the Hofburgkapelle.
Critical Reception
Schubert's 'Gesang der Geister' caused protests at a 1821 concert, possibly making program committees wary of his 'gloomy' or overly demanding pieces.
Composition History
Schubert wrote three Italian songs for the celebrated bass Luigi Lablache, who visited Vienna in 1824 and sang Figaro in operas by both Mozart and Rossini.
Composer Biography
Schubert's singing career ended on July 26, 1812, at age 15, when his voice broke, as noted in a mass score: 'Schubert Franz zum letztenmahl gekraht'.
Performer Biography
Malena Ernman, an alto on this recording, gained significant critical acclaim for her role as Rosina in 'The Barber of Seville' at the Royal Stockholm Opera in 1998.
Historical Context
In Schubert's time, reactionary Vienna forbade anything resembling an association, so there were no men's choirs, but quartets were popular.
Compositional Technique
Schubert's 'Dreifach ist der Schritt der Zeit' is the third of three settings of Schiller's words, serving as both a fugal study and an exercise in textual interpretation.
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