Beethoven and Schubert

Beethoven's life was аs somber as Haydn's was bright and genial. In spite of his fitful outbursts of uncontrollable gaiety, it is impossible to believe that he was a happy man. The last years of his life were embittered, not only by a gradually increasing deafness, which deprived him of his only solace, but, still more, by the ingratitude of a worthless nephew, upon whom he lavished a wealth of affection which might have melted a heart of stone. He died, during a terrific thunderstorm, on the 26th of March 1827. Even in Vienna his greatness was acknowledged then and with reason for it is not to be expected that the present centuries will "see his like again".

One of Beethoven's most talented contemporaries was Franz Schubert. He like Beethoven wrote not for popularity, but in obedience to the dictates of an inward Voice which would not be silenced. Though his Compositions were so little prized during his life-time, that not one tenth part of them were ever either published or performed, their number is almost incredible. For long time his name was known, even in Germany, only by his matchless Songs. That he became better understood is due entirely to the generous ardor of Robert Schumann, who was the first to rescue his greater works from the oblivion to which they were rapidly drifting. Once brought to light, it is not likely that they will ever again be forgotten. Now many compositions of Franz Schubert are very popular and favourite all over the world.