The first performance of the Octet took place in March 1824 at the home of Viennese nobleman Anton, Freiherr von Spielmann, and included renowned violinist Ignaz Schuppanzigh.
Critical Reception
Despite some contemporary reports finding the Octet too long, the Wiener Allgemeine Theaterzeitung called it 'friendly, agreeable and interesting' and 'worthy of the composer's well-known talents'.
Compositional Technique
Schubert broadly followed Beethoven's six-movement plan for the Septet, adding a second violin to the ensemble and including a slow introduction, scherzo, minuet, and variations.
Composition History
Schubert's Octet was commissioned by Count Ferdinand Troyer, a talented amateur clarinettist who was chief steward at the court of Archduke Rudolf, a friend and pupil of Beethoven.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Schubert declared in a letter to painter Leopold Kupelwieser that he composed the Octet and two quartets of 1824 in preparation for 'a grand symphony'.
Composition History
Count Ferdinand Troyer proposed that Schubert write a follow-up to Beethoven's Septet, which had become a runaway success to Beethoven's irritation.
Composer Biography
The painter Moritz von Schwind observed Schubert working on the Octet with such enthusiasm that he would only briefly greet visitors before returning to his work.
You might also enjoy...
Schubert: Octet D 803
Schubert: Octet in F Major
Schubert: Octet in F Major
Schubert: Octet in F Major, Op. 166, D. 803 (Live)
Schubert: Octet F Major
Schubert, F.: Octet, D. 803
Schubert: Octet in F Major, D 803
Schubert: Octet, D. 803
Schubert, F.: Octet, D. 803
Schubert: Octet in F Major, D. 803
Enescu: String Octet in C Major / Strauss, R.: String Sextet
