Baerenreiter Verlag Octet in F major D. 803, Op. Post. 166 - Schubert - Parts Set Octet in F major D. 803, Op. Post. 166 - Schubert - Parts Set

Composer: Franz Schubert
Editor: Arnold Feil
Format: Set of parts, Urtext edition
Instrumentation: Orchestra
Scoring: Clarinet, Bassoon, Horn, Violins (2), Viola, Violoncello, 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 violoncello [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."
Thus Schubert, 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.