Franz Schubert hopes to achieve public acclaim as symphonist.

Schubert's health was in rapid decline. Nevertheless, despite his frequent excesses in the tavern, he continued to produce works of enduring greatness. His first song cycle, Die Schöne Müllerin or the Maid of the Mill was produced at a time when he had all but lost his hair, due to the mercury treatment for his syphilis. As Donald Macleod notes in today's programme, the cycle can be interpreted as a lament for lost innocence.

Schubert appears to have been subject to violent mood-swings, sometimes even pointlessly destroying cups, glasses and plates to deliberately create havoc. Despite his occasional antisocial behaviour, Schubert was by no means an outcast; indeed, as an elected member of the committee of Vienna's prestigious musical society, the Gesellschaft der Musikfreunde, he was almost in danger of becoming part of the musical establishment. Holidaying in Upper Austria in May 1825, he was astonished to find that his compositions were everywhere, particularly songs and piano duets for the home musician. During this time, Schubert was sketching and working hard to complete his great C-major symphony, his ninth (although the first that he would present for public performance). This was dedicated to the Gesellschaft but its length and difficulty militated against a performance during his lifetime.

Presented by Donald Macleod. Show less