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"Schwanengesang," D.957, is a collection of songs by Franz Schubert, composed near the end of his life in 1828. Here are some interesting facts about this work:

1. Posthumous Collection: "Schwanengesang" translates to "Swan Song" in English. This collection is not a unified cycle that Schubert composed as such; rather, it is a posthumous compilation of Schubert's songs put together by his publisher Tobias Haslinger.

2. Poetry Sources: The songs in "Schwanengesang" are set to poems by two different poets. The first 13 songs use texts by Ludwig Rellstab, while the last seven use poems by Heinrich Heine.

3. Rellstab Songs: The first set of songs is sometimes referred to as the "Rellstab songs." Notable among them is "Ständchen" ("Serenade"), which is one of Schubert's well-known lieder.

4. Heine Songs: The Heine poems in "Schwanengesang" are highly regarded for their emotional depth and the composer's ability to express the profound themes found in Heine's poetry. "Der Doppelgänger" ("The Double") is particularly haunting and expressive.

5. Connection to Schubert's Illness: Schubert was in poor health during the composition of "Schwanengesang," likely due to syphilis. Despite his deteriorating health, the songs exhibit a deep emotional and expressive quality.

6. Publication Controversy: The decision to group these songs together and publish them as a cycle after Schubert's death has been a topic of controversy. Some argue that it doesn't represent the composer's original intent, while others appreciate the thematic unity achieved in this posthumous arrangement.

7. Later Recognition: While "Schwanengesang" may not have been as well-known initially, it gained recognition in the later 19th century as Schubert's genius became more widely appreciated. Today, it is considered a significant contribution to the Lieder genre.

These facts highlight the unique nature of "Schwanengesang" as a collection of poignant songs that showcase Schubert's mastery of the art of lieder.