Why
is Schubert’s Symphony No. 8 unfinished? Last time, we talked about this famous
work, looking at what the composer left behind. Since then, scholars have
speculated as to why he never completed the work. While we have some good guesses,
the reason still remains unknown.
It
is interesting to note that Schubert’s Eighth Symphony was not his only
unfinished work. Scholars have found various other pieces from this period that
the composer abandoned. We do know that this particular work is dated October
30, 1822 and was left with Schubert’s colleague Anselm Hüttenbrenner following
the completion of the first two movements. Perhaps Schubert was content to just
have the two movements performed alone? Or maybe he was hoping to receive some
sort of feedback from his friend, which he never received, before moving
forward with the work? Did Schubert perhaps lack confidence in his symphony? We
know that he often feared falling into the shadow of the great Beethoven who
mastered the art of symphonic composition.
It
wasn’t long after the date written on the score that Schubert contracted
syphilis. He didn’t pass away, however, until six years later. This symphony
was never referenced during Schubert’s lifetime. It wasn’t until 1865 that the
work was discovered and given a premiere, adding the finale of his Symphony No.
3 to create a “finished” work. Since then, others have attempted tagging on
various endings but, in my opinion, the piece is perfect in its original form!
What do you think?
