Franz Schubert, despite his current stature, was often viewed as a lightweight composer during his tragically brief life (1797-1828).
Composer's Artistic Vision
Schubert, a born outsider, described his purpose in life as solely to compose, stating, 'came into this world for nothing else but to compose'.
Composition History
The 'Wanderer' Fantasy in C major, D.760, was composed by Schubert in 1822 when he was 25 years old.
Composition History
Franz Liszt, who considered Schubert 'the most poetical composer who ever lived', transcribed nearly 400 pieces for solo piano, with over 50 being Schubert songs.
Composer Biography
Schubert himself was not a keyboard virtuoso and found his own 'Wanderer' Fantasy so challenging that he exclaimed, 'the devil may finish it!'.
Compositional Technique
The 'Wanderer' Fantasy includes an elaborate version of Schubert's earlier song 'Der Wanderer' (D.493), quoted in its Adagio movement.
Critical Reception
Schubert's true stature was only recognized posthumously, with figures like Artur Schnabel and Edward Erdmann alerting the public to his genius.
