Thread: Schubert D.950-D.960

This is a thread to discuss this astonishing sequence of compositions, no fewer than half of them not only masterpieces, but masterpieces even among masterpieces: the E-flat mass (D.950), the String Quintet (D.956), the Schwanengesang lieder (D.957) and the three final piano sonatas (D.958-960).

The full list:

D.950 Mass No. 6 in E-flat for Quartet, mixed chorus, and orchestra
D.951 Rondo in A for piano duet
D.952 Fugue in E minor for Organ or piano duet
D.953 "Der 92. Psalm, Lied für den Sabbath" for baritone solo and chorus
D.954 Chorus "Glaube, Hoffnung und Liebe" with winds
D.955 Song "Glaube, Hoffnung und Liebe"
D.956 String Quintet in C
D.957 Song Cycle "Schwanengesang"
D.958 Piano Sonata in C minor
D.959 Piano Sonata in A Major
D.960 Piano Sonata in B-flat Major

What are your favorite works from this sequence? What are your favorite recordings?

The string quintet has been my favorite there, but 960 may be my favorite now.

There is a somewhat idiosyncratic take on it by Richter on the alto label. He takes it slooooow especially in the first movement. Made it new for me. I don't recommend it as a "reference recording" or anything, but as a really thought-provoking, personal look at a masterpiece by a master. If you are a fan of Pogorelich it's the kind of thing you'll enjoy.

Originally Posted by Jeremy Marchant

But, perhaps, an awareness of imminent death motivated him...

I have wondered if most interpretations of the last three sonatas have been unduly influenced by the emotional content of the quintet. The sonatas do not have to be imbued with dark thoughts, witness Schnabel's interpretations.

I re-listened to 958 and 959 last night, and they're not as dark as 960 is at points. But 960 is my favorite because of that darkness.

Originally Posted by peeyaj

Maybe.. But it is a known fact that he was planning to take lessons for counterpoint from Simon Sechter at the last few weeks of his life. Hardly, an activity of a dying man.

Can't imagine what kind of amazing works he could write after studying with Sechter...

Originally Posted by science

I re-listened to 958 and 959 last night, and they're not as dark as 960 is at points.

science, but what about the 959 slow movement?

Originally Posted by Kieran

Were all of these composed in his final 12 months?

Kieran, good question. Did a little research on WP and IMSLP, and 950 and 956-960 (whcih are the ones most of us would likely consider the greatest works of this sequence) were all composed in 1828 within 10 months of his death.

D.950 Mass (1828--couldn't find a more precise date)
D.956 String Quintet in C (Summer 1828)
D.957 Song Cycle "Schwanengesang" (completed by Oct. 1828)
D.958-960 Last Piano Sonatas (Spring-Fall 1828)

Schubert died in November 1828.

It is fascinating to think of Schubert composing the String Quintet in the middle of writing his final sonatas. I have seen it argued that the second movement of the B Flat sonata resembles the adagio of the Quintet in its texture--that its textures are more chamber-like than pianistic.