Franz Schubert's (1797-1828) profound understanding of poetry and his uncanny ability to translate his understanding of human nature into remarkably balanced compositions marks him out from other contemporaries in the field of song. This book explores his radical modernity from a number of perspectives by examining popular and neglected works.
?Rather than judging this book by the amount of ?"new?"information it presents on Schubert and his music, its contribution to Schubert scholarship, for this reviewer, lies in the authors? collective ability to animate different aspects of a familiar, although ultimately "unknown" figure, and bring them to bear on the music in new and rewarding ways. Indeed, in Berio?s Rendering, as in the pages of The Unknown Schubert, we encounter once again an "Unfinished" Schubert, whose music asks not for completion, but for a more complete engagement.? Journal of the Society of Musicology ?...libraries and Schubert scholars will want to own the book.? Notes 'Judged as a whole, The Unknown Shubert presents a good cross-section of modern Schubert scholarship and its concerns. The collection's emphasis on lesser-known works of the composer is refreshing and allows the reader to become acquainted with some interesting pieces.' Ninetenth-Century Music Review