The Life of Schubert

This searching biography takes a fresh look at this elusive and misunderstood genius.

Christopher H. Gibbs (Author)

9780521594264, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 20 April 2000

226 pages, 20 b/w illus.
22.9 x 15.2 x 1.6 cm, 0.5 kg

'The book in general is concise, scholarly and clearly written … and I learnt a lot from it about Schubert and about Viennese musical life in the 1820s that was new to me.' Opera

Franz Schubert's tragically short life was spent in one of Europe's most richly musical cities: a Vienna that worshipped Beethoven, adored Rossini, and thrilled to Paganini. Schubert, with the help of supportive friends who were themselves immersed in the arts, won fame for himself through songs and dances while aspiring to succeed with larger operas and symphonies. Christopher Gibbs considers how and what Schubert composed, taking a fresh look at this misunderstood figure, particularly the unfolding of his professional career, his relationship to Beethoven, the growth of his reputation and public image and the darker side of drinking, depression and sexual ambiguity. This searching and sympathetic biography questions the customary sentimental clichés and the recent revisionist views concerning this elusive genius.

Prologue: Schubert yesterday
1. Representing Schubert: 'A life devoted to art'
2. Young Schubert: 'The master in the boy'
3. Ingenious Schubert: 'The price of song'
4. Popular Schubert: 'The turning point'
5. Dark Schubert: 'A black-winged demon of sorrow and melancholy'
6. Poor Schubert: 'Miserable reality'
7. Late Schubert: 'Who shall stand beside Beethoven?'
8. Immortal Schubert: 'Composing invisibly'
Epilogue: Schubert today
Notes
Further reading.

Subject Areas: Individual composers & musicians, specific bands & groups [AVH]