When considering the vocal compositions of Franz Schubert, one finds an abundance of short pieces that are usually referred to as part songs or choral songs. Pieces of this kind, on almost any type of text and in different voice combinations, can be found in various forms in the works of almost every composer of the early nineteenth century. Cultural factors of the day can be seen as directly influential in the development of this genre.
One such factor is the diminished position of the church in the musical world of this period. The musicians who are now considered to have been the major composers of their time were not dependent on a church position for their financial well-being. Though important music was still being produced in the churches, it was no longer in the forefront of musical activity as it had been in previous times. This being the case, choral interest was not dominated by the demand for sacred composition.
Another point that must not be overlooked in connection with the development of the choral song is the growth of interest in folk song that took place in the Romantic period. Though this is not as significant an influence upon Schubert as it was upon Mendelssohn, Schumann, and eventually Brahms, it should be understood in relation to the growth of the genre. During the Romantic period folk song was venerated as never before. Though earlier masters used elements of folk song in their music it had never been with the attitude of reverence that the Romantics accorded it. Many of the works that would now be classified as part song were settings of folk song and others contained intentional imitations of folk song flavor.
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