Du bist die Ruh: The Composer

Franz Schubert wrote the music for the song “Du bist die Ruh.” Schubert wrote many songs and other compositions before he died at age 31. His lieder* (classical music songs, also called art songs, in German) are popular among classical music singers and listeners. 

Schubert was a musical prodigy who sang and played multiple instruments. Although he studied music for several years as a child, he eventually became an academic teacher at his father’s school. While teaching, he continued to compose. 

After four years, Schubert quit teaching to pursue a career in music. He had some successes, but many setbacks. Despite his many compositions, he did not make much money.

Eventually, in 1821, Schubert began selling his songs as a subscription service. Remember, this was the era when many middle-class households had pianos and well-educated young women were expected to play the piano.

It was during this period that Schubert set Friedrich Rückert’s poem to music and titled the piece “Du bist die Ruh.” 

This subscription service did not meet Schubert’s financial needs. He tried to land music jobs, but couldn’t get hired.

​He did some academic teaching to try to get by. During this time, he contracted a chronic illness. Through it all, he continued to compose.

In the last year of his life, Schubert experienced some musical success. Unfortunately, the illness progressed and he died in 1828. 

Now, almost two centuries after his death, Franz Schubert's Lieder, including “Du bist die Ruh '' are often sung by students and professional musicians. 

*Also written as “Lieder”

Sources

“Du bist die Ruh” on Oxford Song; Accessed 2023, September 8.
“Female education, reading and Jane Austen” by Kathryn Sutherland on British Library; Accessed 2023, September 8.
“Franz Schubert” on Biography; Accessed 2023, September 8.
“Franz Schubert” on Wikipedia; Accessed 2023, September 8.
“Gender-based social conventions influenced development of musical instruments” by Kilden on Psys.org; Accessed 2023, September 8.