Overture in C major “In the Italian Style”, D. 591 – Franz Schubert

Overture in C major “In the Italian Style”, D. 591 by Franz Schubert

Schubert completed this overture in 1817. During the first few decades of the 19th century, opera was one of the most popular forms of musical entertainment. This led to a great deal of debate, particularly in Vienna, as to what was the ‘better’ style of opera. The two main contenders of operatic style were the Germanic and the Italian. This debate is sometimes called the ‘Opera Wars’.

The Germanic style of composers such as Carl Maria von Weber and later Richard Wagner, was usually based on folklore and the supernatural. The Italian style of composers such as Giaocomo Rossini and later Giuseppe Verdi focused more on the machinations of the nobility and their interaction with the working class. It is important to note that while this distinction in opera style was widespread, there are several examples of Germanic opera focusing on stories about the aristocracy, and Italian operas including elements of the supernatural.

By 1817, the 20-year-old Schubert was eager to reach further fame through opera. In an attempt to demonstrate his potential, he would compose two operatic overtures ‘In the Italian style’ and presented them to theatres around Vienna to gauge their reception.

This work is comprised of a single movement.