Franz Schubert: Octet In F Major, D803

Amazon.com
Schubert's sunny Octet is sort of an overstuffed version of Beethoven's popular Septet. Scored for a bountiful array of strings and winds, and sporting six full-length movements that collectively last nearly an hour, the piece is another in the great tradition of Serenade music, so effectively cultivated by Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, and dozens of other minor composers. Beethoven's contribution to the genre, the Septet, turned out to be so much more popular than his more serious works that he grew to hate the piece. Schubert's avowed aim, by contrast, was just this sort of popularity, and he was surely pleased with his success, as he no doubt would have been by this genial performance. --David Hurwitz

Franz Schubert: Octet In F Major, D803,Scott Haigh,Ronald Phillips,Bryan Dumm,Theodore Johnson,Franz Schubert,Cleveland Octet,Richard King,Edward Ormond,Erich A. Eichhorn,Judy Berman,Sony,Chamber,Chamber Music,Classical,Classical Composers,Classical Music

Average customer rating:

Schubert: Octet in F D803, Op166 Manufacturer: Harmonia Mundi ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Schubert | Schubert, Franz | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music ASIN: B0000007IR Release Date: 1997-11-11

Tracks:

1. Octet in F: Adagio-Allegro
2. Octet in F: Adagio
3. Octet in F: Allegro Vivace
4. Octet in F: Andante
5. Octet in F: Menuetto. Allegretto
6. Octet in F: Andante Molto-Allegro

Average customer rating: Perfection don't pass this one by Cheerful and sunny The birds must like this piece!!! Great Piece, Bad Performance

Franz Schubert: Octet In F Major, D803 Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Schubert | Schubert, Franz | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music CDs Under $7 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music ASIN: B0000029SF Release Date: 1996-09-24

Tracks:

1. Octet in F Major, D 803 - Op. post. 166: I. Adagio - Allegro - Pi allegro
2. Octet in F Major, D 803 - Op. post. 166: II. Adagio
3. Octet in F Major, D 803 - Op. post. 166: III. Allegro vivace - Trio
4. Octet in F Major, D 803 - Op. post. 166: IV. Andante - Variations I-VII - Piu lento
5. Octet in F Major, D 803 - Op. post. 166: V. Minueto: Allegretto - Trio
6. Octet in F Major, D 803 - Op. post. 166: VI. Andante molto - Allegro - Andante molto - Allegro molto

Amazon.com

Schubert's sunny Octet is sort of an overstuffed version of Beethoven's popular Septet. Scored for a bountiful array of strings and winds, and sporting six full-length movements that collectively last nearly an hour, the piece is another in the great tradition of Serenade music, so effectively cultivated by Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, and dozens of other minor composers. Beethoven's contribution to the genre, the Septet, turned out to be so much more popular than his more serious works that he grew to hate the piece. Schubert's avowed aim, by contrast, was just this sort of popularity, and he was surely pleased with his success, as he no doubt would have been by this genial performance. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

Perfection.......2006-06-21

I am not one to usually let technical flaws on the part of the players pass without a fuss. But here in this absolutely crystalline and Danube-easy performance of Schubert's Octet, I must excuse first violinist Erich Eichorn and his occasional lapses in articulation and intonation. (Even so, I must say, Eichorn does not commit as many crimes as you might think - some of his apparent intonation difficulties seem on repeated listening to be intentional effects.) Otherwise, this recording is a polished gem. The wind players are divine. They possess greater beauty of tone and ease of play than those on any other recording I have ever heard, including Oistrakh. The pacing and blend of the ensemble is unrivaled anywhere, which is the main reason I choose this recording of this piece as my favorite; I suppose playing in the same orchestra helps matters. In short, get Oistrakh or Kremer for all the correct notes, but get this recording for the "real deal" - the soul of Schubert. The other recordings might be a tad more exacting, but this one really proves that Schubert was on the road to sit beside Mozart.

don't pass this one by.......2004-06-07

this is a fine recording of schubert's famous octet. first of all the sound quality is excellent-i compared back to back with recordings on virgin classics as well as phillips and found this one far superior. i can also assure you that everyone is in tune and if you hear any sparrows close you window. thanks for reading.

Cheerful and sunny.......2004-05-16

Schubert's Octet is a cheerful, melodic and frequently lively piece of chamber music; it's one of my favourites. [And unlike some other reviewers, I didn't notice any chirping sparrows on this recording, nor was I reminded of a high school band. Perhaps that means I'm not terribly sophisticated.]

What I did notice was the difference in tempo compared to the Consort of London (Collins Classics label) recording of the Octet. The Cleveland Octet speeds up the first movement adagio - allegro (12:14 vs. 15:10) but slows down the second movement adagio (13:25 vs. 10:48). This is not necessarily a criticism, but came as a surprise after listening to the more delicate touch of the Consort of London version.

They are both good (not excellent) recordings. The choice is clearly a matter of personal taste (and I prefer the Consort of London version). BTW, Gramophone recommends the Vienna Octet performance, but I haven't heart it yet.

Addendum: Finally found the Vienna Octet CD -- it's a Decca remake of their 1958 recording. Beautiful ! Such a light touch, it simply sings! At $12 it also includes Spohr's Octet (78 minutes) which the others omit. Clearly the pick!

The birds must like this piece!!!.......2003-10-24

For the price it is okay - BUT, you can hear some sparrows chirping nearby as this was recorded.

Great Piece, Bad Performance.......2002-03-03

This is one amazing piece. However, the strings in this recording are almost always out of tune, something unexpected for members of the great Cleveland orchestra. Some of the wind playing is beautiful, but that does not make up for the general high-school orchestra sound of the ensemble.

Average customer rating:

Schubert: Octet D803 Manufacturer: Thorofon ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Schubert | Schubert, Franz | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Classical | Imports | Stores | Music ASIN: B0000045AI Release Date: 1997-01-21

Tracks:

1. Oktett in F, D 803, Op.Posth.166: Adagio/Allegro
2. Oktett in F, D 803, Op.Posth.166: Adagio
3. Oktett in F, D 803, Op.Posth.166: Allegro Vivace/Trio
4. Oktett in F, D 803, Op.Posth.166: Andante Con Var
5. Oktett in F, D 803, Op.Posth.166: Menuetto: Allegretto/Trio
6. Oktett in F, D 803, Op.Posth.166: Andante Molto/Allegro

Average customer rating:

Schubert: Octet in F D803, Op166 Manufacturer: Asv Living Era ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Schubert | Schubert, Franz | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music ASIN: B000001HNU Release Date: 1993-12-21

Average customer rating:

Schubert: Octet in F D803, Op166 Manufacturer: MD&G Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Schubert | Schubert, Franz | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music ASIN: B0000021EP Release Date: 1997-10-21

Tracks:

1. Oct in F, D 803: Adagio-Allegro
2. Oct in F, D 803: Adagio
3. Oct in F, D 803: Allegro Vivace
4. Oct in F, D 803: Andante
5. Oct in F, D 803: Menuetto
6. Oct in F, D 803: Andante Molto-Allegro

Average customer rating: The original release of a period instrument version, now available on budget price - a good version, but there are better ones

Schubert: Octet in F D803, Op166 Manufacturer: Harmonia Mundi ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Schubert | Schubert, Franz | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music ASIN: B00000DUAR Release Date: 1992-12-14

Customer Reviews:

The original release of a period instrument version, now available on budget price - a good version, but there are better ones.......2006-12-28

Other than an early recording by the grand-pop' of all chamber ensembles performing on period instruments, the Collegium Aureum, on Deutsche Harmonia Mundi (late 70s), Schubert's Octet had remained (to my knowledge) the exclusive game of modern instrument ensembles. Then within a few years came a spate of recordings on period instruments, starting with the Academy of Ancient Music Chamber Ensemble, recorded in the Fall of 1988 (Schubert: Octet in F Major D803, Oiseau-Lyre). It was closely followed by Jaap Schroeder and the Atlantis Ensemble (Schubert: Octet by the Atlantis Ensemble, Virgin, 1989), Hausmusik (Schubert: Octett, EMI Reflexe 1990, now available on a cheap 5 CD box on Virgin) and then this one by a group spawning from the Aston Magna music festival (Harmonia Mundi, 1991). The series was finally topped off a few years later by L'Archibudelli and Mozzafiato (Schubert: Octet L'Archibudelli & Mozzafiato, Sony, 1995). I refer you to my reviews of all these.

This version by Aston Magna is now available on the cheap "Classical Express" collection, and I have reviewed it at length under that entry, to which I refer you (Schubert: Octet Music from Aston Magna). It is a good version, with many qualities (not least a fine, chamber-music atmosphere) but also some flaws, including a rather shrill and sour tone from leader and 1st fiddler Daniel Stepner, thin cello tone from Myron Lutzke, and some pedestrian to plodding tempos in the 3rd and 5th movements. For these reasons, it must give precedence to the recordings of the Academy of Ancient Music, Hausmusik and L'Archibudelli.

Average customer rating:

The Nash Ensemble: Schubert, Octet in F Major, D803 Manufacturer: Virgin Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD ASIN: B00000DP3Y Release Date: 1990-03-15

Average customer rating:

Schubert: Octet in F D803, Op166; Eine kleine Trauermusik in Ef D79 Manufacturer: Praga ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Nonets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Schubert | Schubert, Franz | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music ASIN: B000005W0N Release Date: 1995-11-21

Amazon.com

The Czech Nonet is a venerable and unusual ensemble mixing winds and strings. It has been making recordings at least since the 1950s. The ensemble plays Schubert very well, with the kind of cohesion that normally comes only from having a lot of experience. At the same time, while the group's unity of purpose is admirable, that purpose often seems more directed toward unity than expressiveness. This is a precise Schubert Octet but not a very expressive one. Even with the bonus of the impressive early (D. 89) Schubert piece, this version is less desirable than Consortium Classicum (MD+G), Mozzafiato, and L'Archibudelli performances on period instruments (Sony), or the bargain Schubert Ensemble (Naxos). --Leslie Gerber

Average customer rating:

Octet in F D803 Manufacturer: Asv Gold ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Schubert | Schubert, Franz | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music ASIN: B0006OJRTK Release Date: 2005-02-22

Tracks:

1. Adagio - Allegro
2. Adagio
3. Allegro Vivace
4. Andante
5. Menuetto - Allegretto
6. Andante - Allegro

Average customer rating:

Schubert: Octet D803 Manufacturer: Arte Nova Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Schubert | Schubert, Franz | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music | Baroque | Classical | General | Modern & 20th Century | Romantic | Sinfonia | Sinfonia Concertante General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music CDs Under $7 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music ASIN: B000005I8R Release Date: 1998-01-01

Tracks:

1. Oct D.803 in F, Op.166: Adagio-Allegro
2. Oct D.803 in F, Op.166: Adagio
3. Oct D.803 in F, Op.166: Allegro Vivace-Trio
4. Oct D.803 in F, Op.166: Andante Con Vars
5. Oct D.803 in F, Op.166: Menuetto-Trio
6. Oct D.803 in F, Op.166: Andante-Allegro

Music Review:

1. Franz Wilhelm Tausch: Double Clarinet Concertos Nos. 1 & 2 in B flat Major, Opp. 26 & 27 / Franz Xaver Süssmayr: Concerto Movement in D Major - Thea King / Nicholas Bucknall / The English Chamber Orchestra / Leopold Hager
2. From a Spanish Palace Songbook
3. Fur Elise & Other Piano Favorites
4. Georg Philipp Telemann: Recorder Concertos
5. Giuseppe Tartini: Violin Sonatas 2 - The Locatelli Trio
6. Haydn: Symphonies
7. Haydn: Symphonies No. 82-84
8. Haydn: Symphony Nos. 1-5
9. Haydn: Symphony Nos. 90, 91 & 92
10. John Taverner: "Western Wynde" Mass / The Sixteen

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