Franz Schubert - Commemorations

Commemorations

In 1897, the 100th anniversary of Schubert's birth was marked in the musical world by festivals and performances dedicated to his music. In Vienna, there were ten days of concerts, and the Emperor Franz Joseph gave a speech recognizing Schubert as the creator of the art song, and one of Austria's favorite sons. Karlsruhe saw the first production of his opera Fierrabras.

In 1928, Schubert week was held in Europe and the United States to mark the centenary of the composer's death. Works by Schubert were performed in churches, in concert halls, and on radio stations. A competition, with top prize money of $10,000 and sponsorship by the Columbia Phonograph Company, was held for "original symphonic works presented as an apotheosis of the lyrical genius of Schubert, and dedicated to his memory". The winning entry was Kurt Atterberg's sixth symphony.

In 1977, the German electronic band Kraftwerk recorded a tribute song called "Franz Schubert", which can be found on the album Trans-Europe Express.

Schubert has featured as a character in a number of films including The Great Awakening (1941) and Franz Schubert (1953).

Reference to Schubert (nicknamed 'Franz the Hands') was made in the Doctor Who episode Dinosaurs on a Spaceship in which the Fantasia in F minor for four hands was played, with The Doctor responding when asked if he knew 'say hello to hands three and four!'.