1. Lied: Schubert is considered the father of the modern lied, a form of German art song that combines poetry and music. He composed over 600 lieder, setting texts by poets such as Goethe, Schiller, and Heine. These lieder are admired for their beauty, sensitivity, and emotional depth.
2. Symphony: Schubert wrote nine symphonies, including the unfinished "Symphony No. 8" and the "Great C Major Symphony." These works exhibit a wide range of styles, from the classical elegance of his early symphonies to the romantic passion and drama of his later ones.
3. String Quartet: Schubert composed fifteen string quartets, many of which are regarded as masterpieces of the genre. These quartets are known for their melodic richness, harmonic complexity, and formal innovation.
4. Piano Sonata: Schubert wrote twentyone piano sonatas, exploring a variety of styles and techniques. His sonatas range from the early "Sonata in C Major," which shows the influence of Mozart and Beethoven, to the late "Sonata in B-flat Major," which displays a more personal and Romantic style.
5. Chamber Music: Schubert also contributed significantly to chamber music with his compositions for various combinations of instruments, such as the "Trout Quintet" for piano, violin, viola, cello, and double bass, and the "Octet for Wind Instruments."
6. Operetta: Schubert composed several operettas, including "The Devil's Pleasure Castle" and "The Conspirators," which showcase his gift for melody and dramatic expression.
7. Mass and Religious Music: Schubert wrote a number of sacred works, including masses, offertories, and hymns, which demonstrate his mastery of contrapuntal writing and his profound understanding of religious music.
Overall, Schubert's contributions to music are notable for their melodic beauty, emotional depth, and innovative use of harmony, form, and orchestration. He left an indelible mark on the world of music and is widely regarded as one of the most important and influential composers of the 19th century.