Schubert · Franz Schubert
Schubert Symphony No. 8 in B minor, "Unfinished"
Only two movements, and no one knows why he stopped
- Key
- B minor
- Composed
- 1822
- Premiere
- 1865 Vienna
- Duration
- about 25 min
- Movements
- 2 movements
- Instrumentation
- Woodwinds 2·2·2·2 · Brass 2·2·3·0 · Timpani · Strings
The story behind this piece
Schubert began this piece in 1822 and completed two movements, then stopped with only a sketch of the 3rd-movement scherzo. He lived six more years and never finished it.
His friend Anselm Hüttenbrenner, who had recommended Schubert for honorary membership in the Graz Music Society, received the manuscript but, for some reason, showed it to no one for decades. In the end the conductor Herbeck got the score by promising to perform Hüttenbrenner's own works as well.
It was first performed in Vienna on December 17, 1865, well over 40 years after it was written. Why he never finished it remains a mystery. There is a theory that the B minor entr'acte from the incidental music to Rosamunde was originally this piece's finale, but it isn't certain.
What to listen for
- Opening of the 1st movement: the cellos and basses bring out a dark melody very softly
- Second theme of the 1st movement: a famous song-like melody sung by the cellos. Silence and strong chords suddenly cut in and break it off
- 2nd movement: between quiet, lyrical melodies, stately passages for brass and timpani alternate
Listen · Score
Credits