Portal:Classical music/Selected article/7

The three piano sonatas numbered 958 through 960 in Deutsch's catalogue of Franz Schubert's complete works are the composer's last major compositions for the piano, often referred to simply as Schubert's last sonatas. They were written during the last months of Schubert's life, between the spring and autumn of 1828, but were not published until about ten years after his death, in 1838-39. Furthermore, like the rest of Schubert’s piano sonatas, they were mostly neglected during the entire 19th century, and have only gradually achieved public appreciation, after more than 100 years since their composition. By the late 20th century, however, public and critical opinion had changed, and Schubert's last sonatas are nowadays considered amongst the most important of the composer's mature masterpieces. They have become essential members of the piano repertoire, appearing regularly on concert programs and recordings. One of the reasons for the long period of neglect of Schubert’s piano sonatas seems to be their dismissal as structurally and dramatically inferior when compared with the famous sonatas by Beethoven. In fact, the last sonatas contain distinct allusions and similarities to works by Beethoven, the composer whom Schubert venerated.