Continuing on with our jealousy theme,
this week I would like to ponder the relationship between two great Romantic
composers: Ludwig van Beethoven and Franz Schubert. Twenty-seven years
Beethoven’s minor, Schubert grew up in Vienna with obvious knowledge of the
elder composer’s great success and contribution to the music world.
Establishing an eternal legacy in his ability to reach new heights in
composition, Beethoven created somewhat of a “shadow” for those composers to
follow in coming years. Like many, Schubert believed that in order to be
successful, he must attempt to say something new within the forms Beethoven had
already established. The young composer visited Beethoven on several occasions,
requesting that this gifted man give him advice related to his work.
Though we may look at Schubert as a pillar
in our musical canon, during his lifetime, he never quite saw the extent of his
success that really blossomed many years following his death. Even the poet
Goethe, whom Schubert held in high regard, ignored the poor composer’s settings
of his poetry until after he had passed away.
On March 26, 1827, Schubert’s works were
performed in a private concert. Though people seemed to enjoy his work, the
great Beethoven breathed his last that very day, most likely turning many eyes
away from the aspiring composer. Schubert was then asked to bear a torch at
Beethoven’s funeral. Did Schubert perhaps feel tinges of jealousy toward
Beethoven? Or did he simply aspire to learn from his greatness and carve his
own musical path? This we do not know for certain but it does seem evident that
Schubert suffered a rather unfortunate life, never living to see how great his
work would become.
Schubert died only two years following
Beethoven at the young age of 31. Ironically, he was laid to rest beside
Beethoven in a Vienna graveyard. Does this signify Schubert as Beethoven’s
equal? Or perhaps as a means of reminding him that he will forever remain in
the shadows?
