Franz Schubert was a brilliant composer who wrote some of the most beautiful music ever heard. He lived in Vienna, Austria, many years ago in the early 1800s. Though he didn’t live a very long life, he wrote tons of music! Sadly, Schubert died very young, when he was only 31 years old. But how did Franz Schubert die? Let’s learn about his life and the sad events that led to his early passing.
The Life and Music of Franz Schubert
Franz Schubert was born on January 31, 1797. He started showing his musical talent very early. He played the violin and piano as a child and even wrote his first composition when he was just 13!
Schubert was a master of many different types of music. He wrote amazing symphonies, which are long pieces of music played by an orchestra. He also wrote beautiful lieder, which are songs with just a singer and a piano. And let’s not forget his chamber music – music written for small groups of instruments.
Even though he was a genius, Schubert had a hard time making a living from his music. He often relied on friends to help him out. He was a shy person and didn’t like performing in public very much.
Schubert’s Health Problems
Sadly, Schubert’s health started to decline in his late twenties. He began to experience headaches and fatigue. In 1823, he was admitted to the hospital. While the exact nature of his illness is still debated today, historians believe he suffered from syphilis, a serious infection that was common in those days.
How Did Franz Schubert Die?
After battling illness for several years, Franz Schubert died on November 19, 1828. He was just 31 years old. His official cause of death was listed as typhoid fever. Typhoid fever was a common illness in the 1800s, often spread through contaminated food and water.
However, many experts believe that Schubert’s underlying syphilis contributed to his death. Syphilis can cause a wide range of health problems, weakening the body and making it more susceptible to other illnesses.
Schubert’s Final Days and Burial
Schubert spent his last days in his brother Ferdinand’s apartment in Vienna. He was surrounded by friends and family who cared for him. Despite his suffering, he continued to compose music until the very end.
After his death, Schubert was buried near Ludwig van Beethoven, another famous composer he greatly admired, in Vienna’s Währing cemetery. About 60 years later, both of their graves were moved to the Zentralfriedhof, Vienna’s main cemetery, where they remain today.
Schubert’s Legacy: A Musical Treasure
Though Schubert died young, he left behind a huge collection of music. He wrote over 600 lieder, 9 symphonies, and many other pieces. His music is still loved and played all over the world today.
Here’s a table summarizing some of his most famous works:
| Type of Music | Famous Works |
|---|---|
| Symphonies | Symphony No. 8 (“Unfinished”), Symphony No. 9 (“Great”) |
| Lieder | “Erlkönig,” “Ave Maria,” “Gretchen am Spinnrade” |
| Chamber Music | String Quartet No. 14 (“Death and the Maiden”), Piano Trio No. 2 |
| Piano Music | Piano Sonata in B-flat major, Impromptus |
Schubert’s Influence on Music
Schubert’s music had a big influence on other composers who came after him. Composers like Robert Schumann, Johannes Brahms, and Gustav Mahler were all inspired by his beautiful melodies and expressive harmonies.
The “Unfinished” Symphony
One of Schubert’s most famous pieces is his Symphony No. 8, often called the “Unfinished” Symphony. He only finished two movements of this symphony, and no one knows exactly why he didn’t complete it. Some people think he was just too sick to finish it, while others think he might have been happy with it the way it was. Whatever the reason, the “Unfinished” Symphony is a powerful and moving piece of music that continues to fascinate listeners today.
The Mystery Remains: Unanswered Questions about How Did Franz Schubert Die
Even though we know a lot about Schubert’s life and death, there are still some unanswered questions.
- The exact nature of his illness: While syphilis is the most likely cause, some historians have suggested other possibilities, such as mercury poisoning (a common treatment for syphilis in those days) or even bipolar disorder.
- Why he didn’t finish the “Unfinished” Symphony: As mentioned earlier, the reason for this remains a mystery.
These unanswered questions add to the intrigue surrounding Schubert’s life and work, making him an even more fascinating figure in music history.
Conclusion
Franz Schubert’s life was tragically cut short, but his music continues to inspire and move people centuries later. Though the circumstances surrounding how Franz Schubert died remain somewhat unclear, his legacy as a musical genius is undeniable.
His beautiful melodies, innovative harmonies, and emotional depth have secured his place as one of the greatest composers of all time. From his famous symphonies to his intimate lieder, Schubert’s music speaks to the heart and soul, reminding us of the power of music to transcend time and touch the lives of generations to come.
FAQs
What was Franz Schubert’s most famous piece?
While Schubert composed many beloved works, his “Ave Maria” is arguably his most famous piece, known for its serene beauty and often performed at weddings and funerals.
Where is Franz Schubert buried?
Franz Schubert is buried in the Zentralfriedhof, Vienna’s main cemetery. His grave is located near the graves of other famous composers, including Beethoven, Brahms, and Strauss.
Did Franz Schubert ever get married?
No, Franz Schubert never married. He was a shy and private person who struggled with feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt.
What is a lied?
A lied is a type of German song, typically for solo voice with piano accompaniment. Schubert was a master of the lied, composing over 600 of them.
Was Franz Schubert appreciated during his lifetime?
While Schubert had a circle of devoted friends and admirers, he did not achieve widespread fame during his lifetime. His music gained greater recognition after his death, thanks to the efforts of composers like Schumann and Brahms.