[Biashpainabix]

I've been listening to some of Schubert and Schumann's songs lately, and it really strikes me how many parts would be considered "Beatles-esque" if they were made today. Both the melodies, harmonies and the style of accompaniement is eerily similar to some of their later "non-rock" works. I've never really heard it cited as an influence on them, but does anyone know if the Beatles were familiar with Schubert, or perhaps with something else influenced by Schubert's songs?

well i would imagine Mc Cartney may have been, if subconsciously as i believe he was exposed to various forms of music in his childhood by various relatives, if you listen to his magnificent 'For no one' from the Revolver album (pop music finest hour?) that could quite easily be a Schubert song with its austere haunting melody.
just as an aside Mccartneys productivity during the period 1966-1971 is quite simply astonishing (just imagine Pepper, the white album, abbey road and let it be without Mcartneys songs) not even mentioning his list of singles in that era, amazing. Not that Lennon did not have his moments and likewise Harrison, but in that period Macca was the man. Only his 'uncoolness' and other such nonsense has prevented him from getting the full recognition he deserves