Schubert's music makes a nice counterpoise to Beethoven's, with its greater tunefulness and sometimes excessive lengths. I had never been a big Schubertian, but have continued to find his late writing increasingly compelling. In many ways, this writing holds together better than Beethoven's, and certainly presents straightforward tonality in new ways.
The late quartets are favorites for me, especially the quartet in G, with its alpine heights and burning intensity. This work might also have been a model for Brahms in his quintet in G. A fine set:
The Quintet in C has been hailed more widely in many circles, and I do also enjoy it, although I do not believe it is superior to the quartets. It presents an even slower pace, and perhaps fewer ideas, offset by the addition of the cello. A good recording:
I also enjoy the late piano sonatas, even if they seem to have somewhat fewer ideas than the late string music. The series of three forms something of a summit in the piano literature, and makes a nice parallel with Beethoven's last three sonatas. A good set:
Finally, there is Schubert's symphonic music. I am including his Symphony No. 9 to complete the set of his late music, although I have found it less personally compelling overall. A fine recording:
In some ways, the Unfinished Symphony has the more intense moments.
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Todd M. McComb Updated: 7 March 2005