Octet in F major Op.post.166 D 803 for Clarinet (in B-flat) Bassoon Horn Violin (2) Viola Violincello Double Bass?I have done little new by way of lieder. In compensation I have tried my hand at several instrumental things for I have composed two quartets for Violins Viola and Violincello [A minor D 804; D minor D 810] and an octet [F major D 803] and will write yet another quartet [not carried out]. Indeed in this way I hope to prepare the way to the full-scale symphony. The latest news in Vienna is that Beethoven will give a concert [on 7 May 1824] ...I too am inclined to give a similar concert next Year God willing.?ThusSchubert writing on 31 March 1824 to his friend Leopold Kupelwieser in Rome in a lengthy letter whose first section is decidedly low-spirited. In order to prepare the way to the full-scale symphony by which he doubtless meant the genre as a whole rather than any specific work he wrote string quartets and a large-scale piece of chamber music for strings and winds taking Beethoven as his guide.Urtext of the New Schubert EditionParts (BA5617) and study score format 22.5 x 16.5cm (TP302) available for sale