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Schubert, the kaleidoscope and a draisine
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This is an aquarell by Schubert's friend Leopold Kupelwieser, for the journal of the 'Nonsense society' (Unsinnsgesellschaft) in Vienna, 16 July 1818.
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Schubert is seen peering into a kaleidoscope, and Kupelwieser has drawn himself riding the draisine, a forerunner of the bicycle. The kaleidoscope and the draisine were both very new at the time. Note that Schubert is shown holding a long stick. The stick appears to have been an 'in-joke' in the Unsinnsgesellschaft, a reference to Schubert being an assistant teacher at his father's school.
Welcome to the website of the Schubert Institute UK!
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Are you working on Franz Schubert (1797–1828), performing his music, or keen to learn about his life and times? If so, we invite you to become a member of the Schubert Institute UK. We are a diverse community seeking to broaden the understanding of Schubert and his world across scholarship, performance, and public engagement. We host a range of in-person and online events tailored to the interests of our international membership – from study days to conversations and recitals. We encourage you to browse our pages and to join us in promoting the power of Schubert’s music in an ever-changing world.
- Dr Joe Davies
Chair, Schubert Institute UK
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