Schubert: Symphony No. 8 in C Major, D 944 ("The Great")
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- Composer: Franz Schubert (1797-1828)
- Editor: Werner Aderhold
- Instrumentation: Orchestra
- Work: Symphony in C Major ("The Great"), D 944
- ISMN:
- Size: 9.6 x 12.2 inches
- Pages: 282
- Urtext / Critical Edition
Description
Schubert wrote the Symphony no. 8 in C major between 1825 and 1828. in order to distinguish this symphony from his symphony no. 6, written between 1817-18, no. 8 was referred to as the "Great Symphony" in C major. After Beethoven's symphonies, this work is recognized as the most important symphony from the first half of the 19th century. It was highly lauded by Schumann and by Mendelssohn, who conducted its first public performance in 1839 in Leipzig.
Schubert himself never actually heard the symphony performed and it was long considered unperformable.
Although the source situation is comparatively clear, the editor was faced with many difficult problems. Schubert's autograph was written down in several different creative compositional stages, which he reworked over a considerable period of time. These various stages of writing, editing and correcting had to be identified and many of the numerous emendations needed to be interpreted. The results of this editorial process will surely play a relevant role in the performance of this important work. The earlier numbering of this symphony as no. 7 was based on the first Complete Edition of Schubert's works. It listed the seven finished symphonies and then the famous "Unfinished Symphony" in B minor as no. 8. At a later date, in order to be chronologically correct, was listed before the "Great Symphony" in C major was assigned the no. 9 following the "Unfinished".
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Choral Score
A score for vocalists that only contains the vocal lines. The instrumental parts are not there for reference. Generally, cheaper than a vocal score and requires multiple copies for purchase.
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Similar to a wind set, this is a collection of parts. In the case of strings, the numbers listed are the number of copies included, though generally these are available individually (often with minimum quantities required).
Paperback
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Performance / Playing Score
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Set of Parts
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Solo Part with Piano Reduction
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Study Score
A small (think choral size) copy of the complete score meant for studying, and not playing. They make great add-ons when learning concertos and small chamber works.
Vocal Score
A score prepared for vocalists that includes the piano/organ part or a reduction of the instrumental parts.
Wind Set
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With / Without Fingering (Markings)
Some publishers prepare two copies - a pure Urtext edition that includes no fingering (or bowing) suggestions and a lightly edited version that includes a minimal number of editorial markings.
Schubert: Symphony No. 8 in C Major, D 944 ("The Great")
