Schubert (1797-1828) composed the generally sunny, 6-mvmt Octet in 1824 in response to renowned clarinetist F. Troyer’s request for a work similar to the popular Beethoven Septet, composed 24 years before. The work is a masterpiece of elegance, melodic splendor and sensuous intimacy. The 1st mvmt theme is derived from Schubert’s song, Der Wanderer, and the 4th mvmt variations from his early light opera, Die Freunde von Salamanka. Schubert added a second violin to Beethoven’s scoring for clarinet, bassoon, horn, violin, viola, cello and double bass. The melody and beauty that infuse the Octet are pure Schubert. The Menuet has a restless, questioning quality, the Scherzo a nervous, driving energy. The Finale turns mysterious, but only momentarily before a toe-tapping melody ensues.