Symphony in C major, D. 944, "Great" (commonly No. 9)
Franz Schubert
Work background
Researched classical background
Schubert's Great C-major symphony opens with a horn melody whose material becomes part of a much larger orchestral argument. Its four movements sustain unusual breadth through recurrent rhythms, long melodic spans, and energetic transitions. The work's history includes delayed public recognition after Schubert's death. The nickname distinguishes it from his smaller early C-major symphony rather than identifying a separate program.
A listening guide
Follow the opening horn melody when it returns in a stronger orchestral setting later in the first movement.
Listening suggestions are editorial guides to the music.
Forces: Orchestra
Composition: 1825-1826
Modern scholarship places the main composition before Schubert's final year; older sources often assigned 1828.
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: Great C-major Symphony; Symphony No. 8, D. 944
Date, title and version notes
Schubert symphony numbering differs between cataloging traditions; D. 944 is the stable identifier.
Symphony No. 9, "The Great" - 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. 9, "The Great" - 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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