In September 1828, Schubert fell ill and moved in with his brother Ferdinand. This was just two months before his death. However, his creative drive did not wane, and he rapidly composed his last three piano sonatas. Sonata No. 19 is the first of these. Ten years later, in 1838, it was published by Diabelli & Co. along with Sonatas Nos. 20 and 21, under the title "Schubert's Last Works: Three Grand Sonatas." The composer had intended to dedicate it to J.N. Hummel, but as the intended recipient passed away the year before its publication, the publisher decided to dedicate it to Schumann.

It is evident from the beginning of the first movement that Schubert was aware of Beethoven's Piano Variations WoO 80. Perhaps this was an homage to the great predecessor who had passed away the previous year.

Movements

• First Movement: Allegro, C minor, 3/4 time. Sonata form. The opening theme closely resembles Beethoven's Piano Variations WoO 80. Overall, the movement has less of Schubert's characteristic gentle sonorities and is dominated by a severe, eerie atmosphere. The coda also evokes Beethoven once again.
• Second Movement: Adagio, A-flat major, 2/4 time. Similar to Beethoven's Pathétique Sonata, it begins with a gentle theme in E-flat major, which then takes on a darker shade. Modulations are frequent.
• Third Movement: Menuetto. Allegro, C minor, 3/4 time. A relatively calm movement. The contrast between the Menuetto and Trio sections is not strong. However, this allows the dynamism of the finale to stand out.
• Fourth Movement: Allegro, C minor, 6/8 time. Sonata-rondo form. A fast movement reminiscent of a tarantella. It is a lively finale that also evokes dance-like rhythms.