Schubert: Octet in F Major, Op. Posth. 166, D. 803

Featuring

Isabelle van Keulen
Benjamin Marquise Gilmore
Timothy Ridout
Kristina Blaumane
Tim Gibbs
Michael Collins

Robin O'Neill
Alberto Menéndez Escribano
Wigmore Soloists
Franz Schubert

Did you know?

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Compositional Technique

Throughout Schubert's Octet, a dotted rhythm becomes a recurring motif, appearing in many themes and serving as a unifying element.

Composer's Artistic Vision

Schubert intended the Octet to reflect the divertimento style of the eighteenth century, contrasting with his more profound string quartets of the same year.

Composition History

Count Ferdinand Troyer asked Schubert to model his Octet on Beethoven's Septet of 1800, a work that had achieved phenomenal popularity.

Performer Biography

Wigmore Soloists, formed in 2020, is a chamber ensemble led by Isabelle van Keulen (violin I) and Michael Collins (clarinet), created in collaboration with John Gilhooly, director of Wigmore Hall.

Notable Performances

The first performance of Schubert's Octet took place in March 1824 at Count Troyer's Viennese home, with the Count himself playing the clarinet part.

Composition History

Schubert's Octet was commissioned by Count Ferdinand Troyer, an amateur clarinettist and composition pupil of Beethoven.

Composer's Artistic Vision

Schubert saw the Octet as a step towards composing his 'grand symphony,' the Ninth Symphony, also known as the 'Great C major,' completed a year later.