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Franz Schubert was born in Himmelpfortgrund in Vienna in January 1797. Although he died at the young age of 31, he is recognised as one of the most gifted composers of the 19th century.

At the age of five his father, Franz – a parish schoolmaster - began to give him regular musical instruction in the violin. This education continued throughout his early life and, at the age of seven, he moved on from his teachers as they could no longer keep up with his progress. He began to learn under Michael Holzer, a Kepellmeister (a music-maker). Schubert was then given the chance to practice on better instruments his family could not provide.

Until the age of seventeen Schubert studied at the Convict – under Antonio Salieri – where he received as a scholar. He met many friends there who helped him out in buying music paper that he would never have been able to afford by himself. He received more education from the school orchestra than by immediate instruction and his musical knowledge began to come together as he visited operas. At this time he developed a familiarity with Mozart.

Salieri begun to become keenly aware of Schubert’s talent, and soon he was being trained in musical composition and theory. The rest of his stay at Convict saw him writing chamber music and pieces for the piano.

In 1813 Schubert left the Convict and began to teach at his father’s school. This was only to avoid military service, but during these two years he continued to receive private lessons from Salieri.

1814 saw his first completed opera – Des Teufels Lustschloss. From here on he produced three string quartets and seventeen songs, which include Der Taucher. In 1815 Schubert produced a huge amount of work, including two masses and 146 songs. His success was now turning around and he stopped giving music lessons and began to concentrate on his writing, usually all day. The outcome was 600 songs, symphonies, sonatas, sting quartets and operas.

Unfortunately, with syphilis and typhoid fever his health faded and he passed away in 1828, he is buried next to Beethhoven, as per his wishes.

Franz Schubert

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