In his brief life of just 31 years, Franz Schubert (b 1797) created a treasury of music that remains at the core of Western classical music around the world, well past his death in 1828.

Schubert’s captivating melodies and inventive harmonic language tell vivid tales through dramatic song cycles and expansive symphonies, intimate chamber music and formidable instrumental pieces, sacred and theatrical works. He has remained a defining figure in the music of the 19th century, most notably in Art Song (Lieder).

Despite being plagued by uncertain finances and frightening ill-health, Schubert composed an inspired catalogue of more than 1000 works. Critical to his creativity and the dissemination of his music were the Schubertiades, private soirees held from 1815, in the homes of his close friends and supporters in Vienna, where his music was played and poetry was read.

One such evening is immortalised in a drawing by the Austrian painter Moritz von Schwindt, now held in Vienna’s Historisches Museum. Central to that gathering, Schubert sits at the piano, surrounded by his inner circle which included the artist.

Schubertiades continue around the Western world, and this year, the most renowned of them,...