Sounds Like Schubert  

 

Personal Picks

Obviously, I like almost everything that Schubert has composed. Otherwise, I wouldn't have put together this site. But there are particular works that jump out as you listen to them. You want to say to someone "Boy, you've got to listen to this." That's what this list is about. I've broken it into two sections: The Music of Schubert and The Music of Other Composers. Over time, this list will grow and change.

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SCHUBERT

Large Works

If I were going on a trip where I had to pack some music to listen to, here is what I'd take.

"Unfinished Symphony" Symphony No. 8 I never get tired of listening to this. If I could only take one work by Schubert to listen to, this would be it.
Mass No.6 in E-flat major The Kyrie never fails to send shivers down my spine. The Et Incarnatus Est of the Credo is a wonderful melody beautifully played out between the three solos and the chorus; the Agimus Tibi in the Gloria is another tuneful masterpiece. I would love to hear this work performed in a large, European cathedral with full chorus and orchestra. That could be the gate to heaven.
Symphony No. 9 in C major "The Great" There is a reason they call it the Great. Nuff said.
Fierabras Schubert operas have never achieved any popularity and have faded into obscurity with the exception of the Rosamunde incidental music. However, this opera is loaded with a wide variety of Schubert's music at its tuneful best. If you want to listen to one of his operas, this is what I'd recommend.

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Chamber Music

Here is a wealth of music to listen to. Some of my favorites are:
Quintet in A D667 "Trout" Especially the fourth movement Theme and Variations based upon his song of the same name.
String Quartet No.14 in D minor D810 Death and the Maiden
Piano Trio in E-flat D929 Especially the Andante con moto
Piano Trio in B-flat D890 Especially the Andante un poco moto

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Piano Music

Sonata in A major D664 I believe this was one of Schubert's favorites and one he loved to play. The Andante is also one of the first major works of Schubert's that I learned to play.
Sonata in G Major, D894 "Fantasie-Sonate"
Sonata in A Major D959
Sonata in B-flat major D960
Impromptu No.2 in A flat major D935 I have a weak spot for this one - it was the first work by Schubert I learned to played on the piano.
Six Moments Musicaux D780 - No.3 in F minor
Six Moments Musicaux D780 - No.5 in F minor
Impromptu D899 - No. 3 in G flat major

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Songs

If I were to create my own CD of Schubert songs, here what it would contain:
An die Musik D547
Wiegenlied D498
Standchen (Zorgend leise) D920
Erlkonig D328
Die Forelle D550
Ellen's Gesang III (Ave Maria) D839 Comes in many variations. The original text is from Sir Walter Scott's The Lady of the Lake. The religious version is the Hail Mary. I particularly like the violin/piano duet.
Standchen (from Schwanengesang D957) Also comes in various renditions. In addition to the vocal, I enjoy the piano solo.
Der Wanderer an den Mond D870
Auf dem Wasser zu singen D774
Nachtviolen D752
Erntelied D434
Die junge Nonne D828 Pay special attention to the Alleluia at the end.
An den Mond D259
Hochzeitslied D463

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OTHER COMPOSERS

 If your taste in Schubert's music is similar to mine, then here are some works of other composers that you might like:

Piano Concertos

I have a weakness for Piano Concertos. Ironic, given that Schubert didn't write any. My choices would be:
Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No.2 If I could only listen to one non-Schubert CD, this would be it.
Beethoven Piano Concerto No.3 I have to admit, I like this much more than No. 5
Mozart Piano Concerto No. 21 "Elvira Madigan" The Andante, of course.
Grieg Piano Concerto in A
Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No.1 in B-flat minor
Khachaturian Piano Concerto Took me a while to decide on whether I liked this or not. Definitely worth a listen.

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Piano Works

Eric Satie Especially Gnossienne No.1 and No.2
Mussorgsky - Pictures at an Exhibition I love the orchestral version but was blown away by the Byron Janis piano rendition (what Mussoursky originally wrote)
Rachmaninoff - Theme XVIII from Variations on a Theme by Paganini.
Khachaturian - Waltz from Masquerade. Powerful as a piano piece. Found this on a CD from the Musical Heritage Society. I'm now looking for the sheet music - someday I will play this!
Beethoven - Piano Sonata No.14 in C sharp minor "Moonlight"
Beethoven - Piano Sonata No.23 in F minor "Appassionata"
Chopin - Piano Sonata No.2 The Funeral March movement is another piece I will learn to play someday.
Chopin - Waltz Op.69 No.2 I had to throw this one in as it is the piece I am currently working. Vladimir Ashkenazy makes it sound so easy and fluid. I almost despair sometimes.
Mozart - Piano Sonata in A K331 With the Alla Turca.

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Other

Beethoven - Chorale Fantasy for Piano, Choir and Orchestra Op.80 Foreshadows the Symphony No.9 but a very effective piece in itself.

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