How long is the schubert octet

The bouncy melody is played by all of the ensemble at some point in the movement. The balanced trio is short and much quieter than the bombastic opening. As the the theme returns it is repeated a number of times in different ways before the movement concludes with the ensemble in brilliant unison.

The theme and variations set up starts with the viola, who is accompanied by the light lower strings. The violin and clarinet, in unison, then play the theme. The movement is rich with thematic content and the variations that Schubert creates are well designed and ooze class and sophistication.

This movement concludes quietly. The stately fifth movement is based around a minuet and trio structure. Led by the violins to begin with, the theme is passed around the strings for development. The woodwind take a more decorative and textural approach to this movement. Schubert once more uses unison writing to create an effect that brings together sounds to emphasise important melodies. High spirits are more subdued in the trio, with its smooth, shapely melody, initially for string quartet alone, over a stalking cello line.

Following classical precedent, the first four variations, all rooted to the home key of C major, are essentially decorative, with first violin, horn and cello in turn taking the limelight. Sentiment is wickedly undercut in the final variation, where the winds do a comic take on a village band against a hyperactively cavorting violin.

It is surely no coincidence that the initial dotted figure is identical to the pervasive motif of the opening movement. After a repeat of the minuet the hushed, twilit coda introduces a romantically evocative horn solo that inevitably calls to mind the close of the first movement.

Grand guignol or a personal confession? A smoother subsidiary idea, still in F major, leads to a chirpy second subject linked to the main theme by its persistent trilling motif that could have fast-talked its way straight out of a Rossini opera. But the comedy quickly takes a serious turn as Schubert puts the trilling figure through its paces in strenuous imitation.

All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy. Octet Franz Schubert. About this Piece. This site uses cookies to offer you the best possible experience. It wears fun, unpretentious threads, ready for a relaxed hang with friends.

But look closer: everything is made with the finest materials, impressing even the fussiest connoisseur. Schubert learned this code-switching from Beethoven. And although they both lived in Vienna, the two may never have met. The Septet was immensely popular in Vienna, played across the city, and hummed on the streets. The Octet is certainly entertaining: filled with jaunty dances, hummable tunes, and heart-rending moments. It shows off the virtuosity of the ensemble, particularly the artistry of the first violinist and clarinetist.

But it also thinks big.