Franz Schubert: The Not-So-Ordinary Composer

Franz Schubert was an Austrian composer who lived from 1797 to 1828. He was known for his choral works, chamber music, and symphonies. He was a prodigy from an early age and composed his first pieces when he was just a boy. But don’t let his talents and achievements in the classical music world fool you - there was much more to Franz than meets the ear.

Early Life of Franz Schubert

Franz was born in Vienna, Austria, as the son of a schoolteacher. He received his early education at home from his father, who was a great music lover. He learned how to play the violin, piano, and viola, and he continued to develop his skills as he grew older.

The Man Behind the Music

Apart from his love for music, Franz was also a lover of indulgence. He was known for his love of drinking and good food. People around him often found him humming tunes as he went about his day, including as he gulped down huge amounts of food with a pint of beer.

In fact, Franz was so in love with beer that he wrote a song about it. Yes, you heard it right - a beer song. The song ‘Trinklied’ or ‘Drinking Song’ in English, glorified the love for beer and heavy drinking. It may not have been his greatest work, but the song sure did serve a purpose for those who enjoy good beer.

The Schubert Legacy

Franz Schubert died at a young age of 31, leaving behind an impressive musical legacy. He composed over 600 works, including nine symphonies, chamber music, intricate vocal pieces and hundreds of Lieder (a form of German song). But perhaps, his greatest legacy lies in uniting music lovers across cultures, languages, and backgrounds through his music.

In conclusion, Franz Schubert was more than just an ordinary composer - he was a man of extravagance and humor, and this showed in his music. His passions in life, including drinking and eating, are what made him a relatable figure, and that is why he will always be remembered as one of the greats in classical music.