Schubert’s Octet, for three wind and five string instruments, was composed 200 years ago, in 1824. The instrumentation was completely new at the time. With its large-scale structure comprising six movements, the work looks ahead to subsequent developments, but the music never for a moment feels heavy, its light and lilting quality always prevailing.

EPSG:4326

Close-up: Schubert and Widmann

The Concertgebouw

Mozart was convinced that his piano quintet was his most perfect work. Pieces for the piano were especially personal for him – but here his beloved woodwinds are included as well. The young Beethoven was also captivated by Mozart's work and responded with his own wind quintet.

Mozart & Beethoven

Festspielhaus Baden-Baden

Schubert's Famous Octet is music written for friends – who must also have been outstanding musicians, since the work often makes the highest technical demands on the performers. The listener shouldn’t be misled by the pastoral key of F major: Schubert wouldn’t be Schubert if he didn’t repeatedly take his seemingly easygoing music down somber paths.

Fons Verspaandonk

Events

Upcoming events

Mar 29, 2026

Mozart & Beethoven · Festspielhaus Baden-Baden

Apr 1, 2026

Schubert · Festspielhaus Baden-Baden

Past events

Nov 10, 2024

Close-up: Schubert and Widmann · Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra

Future and recently performed repertoire

Horn in Octet by Schubert

Festspielhaus Baden-Baden

Horn in Quintet for Piano and Winds by Mozart

Festspielhaus Baden-Baden

Horn in Octet by Widmann

Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra

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