Symphony in B minor, D. 759, "Unfinished" (commonly No. 8)
Franz Schubert
Work background
Researched classical background
Schubert's B-minor symphony has two completed movements whose balance has made them a familiar concert work. A dark low-string opening leads into lyrical themes with distinctive wind colors, while the second movement places gentler passages beside sudden disturbances. Surviving scherzo material shows that a larger plan existed. Why Schubert stopped working on the symphony remains unresolved.
A listening guide
Listen to how the opening low-string idea frames the first movement's more flowing melodies.
Listening suggestions are editorial guides to the music.
Forces: Orchestra
Composition: 1822 (two completed movements)
Schubert left two complete movements and scherzo material; he lived for several more years.
This entry describes the musical work or cycle. Composition, premiere and publication dates describe different events. Performers and recordings can be explored through the external listening search.
Also known as: Unfinished Symphony; Symphony No. 7, D. 759
Date, title and version notes
The reason for leaving the work unfinished is not established.
Numbering differs between cataloging traditions.
Symphony No. 8, "Unfinished" - LA Phil
Work identity, chronology where stated, and the specific musical or historical context summarized in this entry. | Reviewed 2026-10-19
Sources for this work
Symphony No. 8, "Unfinished" - LA Phil
Work identity, chronology where stated, and the specific musical or historical context summarized in this entry. | Reviewed 2026-10-19
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