FRANZ Peter Schubert who was born inVienna in 1797 and died there in 1828, ranks as one of the greatest comosers of western classical music. Schubert was the son of a school-master of modest means, but he had the advantage of being a member of an intensiely musical family whose string-quartet performances were renowned in their area. Greatly admired as he was by a iscriminating circle of friends and music-lovers, he never became rich, and there was a time when he would write down a song just to cover the cost of a meal. Music flowed naturally and effortlessely from Schubert. His output over his short life-span of 31 years is prodigious.

While capable of rising to great heights of dramatic intensity and power in his magnificent Symphony No. 9 in C, Schubert is widely remembered and loved for his exquisite sense of melody enshrined in his matchless songs, which have given joy and inspiration to millions of music-lovers all over the world. On the occasion of his 150th death anniverasary when India pays her tribute to this great son of Austria, it is gratifying to learn that among Schubert's compositions is one on the theme of a great classic of India, "Shakuntala".

On his death in 1828, a year after the death of Beethoven, whom he idolised, Schubert was buried beside Beethoven, two great geniuses nurtured in the creative atmosphere of Vienna.

Source : Information Folder issued by Indian Posts & Telegraph Department, Government of India