Franz-Schubert-Denkmal

Dedicated to the genius Franz Schubert, the Franz-Schubert-Denkmal stands proudly in Clara-Zetkin-Park. This isn’t just any monument. It’s a soaring obelisk, reaching nearly 4 meters into the sky. This triangular granite structure is more than just a tribute to the famed Austrian composer. It is a testament to the power of community and the enduring legacy of music. Franz Schubert, though never having set foot in Leipzig, held high hopes for the city as a publishing hub. One of his compositions was indeed published by Breitkopf & Härtel shortly before his untimely death in 1828. Years later, the Old Gewandhaus hosted the premiere of his “great” C major symphony, conducted by none other than Mendelssohn. The Franz-Schubert-Denkmal was born from a desire to honor this musical giant. The Leipzig Men’s Choir spearheaded the initiative in 1928, marking the centennial of Schubert’s death. The city, however, declined to fund the project. Undeterred, the people of Leipzig rallied together. They raised the necessary funds through donations. This collective effort speaks volumes about Schubert’s impact. The monument, designed by Leipzig sculptor Margarete Tschaplowitz-Seifert, was unveiled in 1929. It became only the second Schubert monument in Germany, following one in Stuttgart. Look closely at the Franz-Schubert-Denkmal. You’ll see three distinct granite blocks forming the triangular structure. The top block features a relief of Schubert’s profile, a silent gaze cast across the park. On the reverse, a five-stringed lyre is etched into the stone, a symbol of his musical prowess. Beneath it, an inscription reads: “Dedicated to the genius Franz Schubert, at the instigation of the Leipzig Men’s Choir in the year 1929”. The Franz-Schubert-Denkmal is more than just a memorial. It’s a symbol of community spirit, a testament to the enduring power of music and a tribute to a composer who, though never present in Leipzig, left an indelible mark on its cultural landscape.