None of Schubert's symphonies were performed during his lifetime (1797-1828), and in many ways he lived behind the immense presence of Beethoven for most of his life -- the two greats are even buried next to each other. But Schubert's music remains one of the most important links between the Classical and Romantic periods. His symphonies explored more progressive harmonies and orchestration than earlier composers had dared try, using brass instruments in a fashion that was later taken up by such figures as Brahms. He was also a master at writing lieders (songs) which perfectly matched emotions to music, placing novel chords at specific moments to exactly convey the mood of the text.
