Christian Friedrich Daniel Schubart (1739–91) was a German poet, organist, composer, and journalist of the Sturm und Drang period. Known for his pietistic and patriotic leanings, he was frequently punished for his writing and spent ten years in severe conditions in jail. He is mostly remembered for his influence on the poet Friedrich Schiller, and as the poet of composer Franz Schubert’s song Die Forelle (‘The Trout.’)
Born in Obersontheim, Swabia, Schubart wrote satirical and religious poems. He was imprisoned at Hohenasperg 1777–87 by the Duke of Wurttemberg, whom he had insulted in an epigram. In confinement, Schubart studied mystical works and composed poetry. His Sämtliche Gedichte (1785–86; ‘Collected Poems’) are distinguished partly by the pomposity of the Sturm und Drang period, partly by intense religious feelings of a pietistic nature, and partly by jingoistic fervor.
Schubart was discharged in 1787 at the order of Frederick II the Great. Schubart expressed his gratitude in Hymnus auf Friedrich den Grossen (“Hymn to Frederick the Great.”) He was then appointed the musical director and manager of the theatre at Stuttgart.
Schubart began his autobiography, Schubarts Leben und Gesinnungen (1791–93; ‘Schubart’s Life and Mind,’) but died before its completion.
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Christian Friedrich Daniel Schubart
Want and sorrow are the wages that folly earns for itself, and they are generally paid.
—Christian Friedrich Daniel Schubart
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