Schubert’s Symphony No. 9 in C Major
“Great” was never performed during the composer’s lifetime. It was not until
ten years following Schubert’s death that Robert Schumann uncovered the
manuscripts and insisted that it make a public appearance that very year.
Though many composers felt it best to avoid composing symphonies in fear of
being compared to Beethoven’s symphonic repertoire, Schumann praised the
“Great” Symphony saying that in it Schubert successfully created his own
approach to writing a symphony.
In his Symphony No. 9, Schubert blends
the Romantic lyricism found in his lieder with Beethoven’s drama. The first
movement begins with a slow, chorale introduction in the horn section before
moving into an allegro. Portions of this chorale come back later in the
movement.
Schubert’s Symphony No. 9 in C Major
“Great” will be tonight’s 6 o’clock symphony. Tune in to 90.9 WGUC and then let
me know if you think Schubert was able to find his own voice in this piece or
if he still remains in Beethoven’s shadow.
