On the Periphery: Schubert and the Guitar

Abstract: Schubert studies have a remarkably controversial history. Peripheral to most of this scholarship is the matter of Schubert’s guitar music. With only two short works existing in manuscript form, his output for the instrument was minimal. Also, Schubert’s works with guitar are not typically viewed as his more advanced accomplishments. Many of the pieces that were published (read: not composed) for guitar accompaniment exemplify a very practical and commercially inclined Schubert. This Schubert created a fair amount of marketable music and tended easily to supply publishers like Anton Diabelli with the rights to his creations. These works demonstrate some of Schubert’s finest social music, which sold well in his lifetime.

© George Benton England 2015

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