Octet, D. 803

Description

The Octet in F major, D 803 by Franz Schubert is considered a pinnacle of chamber music — a symphonic work of striking breadth, condensed into eight voices. For the Scharoun Ensemble Berlin, this masterpiece is at the heart of its artistic identity. Founded in 1983 by members of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, the ensemble is named after Hans Scharoun, architect of the Berlin Philharmonie, whose chamber music hall has been its home since its public debut — and also the setting for this recording. Shaped by decades of familiarity, the Octet reveals the full emotional palette of Schubert: joy and exuberance, tenderness and nostalgia, anguish and defiance. This new recording marks a turning point in the ensemble's history. Having performed the Octet nearly 500 times and already recorded it in 2001, it returns to this iconic work to immortalize a new generation of musicians, including founding member and double bassist Peter Riegelbauer. This recording combines great interpretive maturity with an innovative perspective, revealing the extraordinary tonal variety and dramatic depth of Schubert's voice. Thanks to its close connection to the venue, tradition, and rich musical continuity, this recording offers a definitive and deeply personal interpretation of one of the most beloved works in the chamber music repertoire.