VII.

Piano Works

Schubert’s 21 piano sonatas constitute a body of work second in importance only to the sonatas of Ludwig van Beethoven. The sonatas No. 14 (A Minor), No. 17 (D Major), and No. 18 (G Major), written in 1825 and 1826, are among his most appealing in their sweetness and dreamy quality. The mood is more varied, more anguished, more private, and more reflective in the three last sonatas Schubert wrote: No. 19 (C Minor), No. 20 (A Major), and No. 21 (B-flat Major). He also wrote a large number of piano duets, including the popular Sonata in C Major (Grand Duo) of 1824, a composition of symphonic proportions, and the Fantasie in F Minor (1828). His shorter pieces for piano include the six poetic Moments musicaux (1823-1828) and two sets of impromptus, music intended to suggest improvisation. Schubert also wrote waltzes, ländlers, minuets, and other dances.