Main content
Sorry, this episode is not currently available

Donald Macleod presents two works which reflect Schubert's state of mind after a dramatic change in his circumstances, when he contracted syphilis at the age of 25.

Schubert had suffered from a form of manic depression for most of his adult life but his mood swings became more extreme when he contracted syphilis at the age of 25, a disease from which he would never recover. Donald Macleod introduces two works written after this dramatic change in Schubert's circumstances - a turbulent piano work and a string quartet which demonstrates a new emotional maturity and a quality of sadness even in the music's happiest moments.

1 hour

Last on

Thu 30 Jun 2011 18:30

Music Played

  • Franz Schubert

    Sonata in A minor D.784 for piano

    Performer: Stephen HOUGH(Piano)

    • Schubert Piano Sonatas.
    • Hyperion.
    • CDA67027.
  • Franz Schubert

    Quartet no. 13 in A minor D.804, Op.29 (Rosamunde) for strings

    Performer: Alban Berg Quartet

    • Teldec : 84334 1.
    • TELDEC.
    • 84334-1.

Broadcasts

  • Thu 30 Jun 2011 12:00
  • Thu 30 Jun 2011 18:30

Beethoven Unleashed – the box set

Beethoven Unleashed – the box set

The complete set of Radio 3 Beethoven Unleashed podcasts, with Donald Macleod.

What was really wrong with Beethoven?

What was really wrong with Beethoven?

Georgia Mann and neurosurgeon Henry Marsh examine the composer's numerous health problems

Composers A to Z

Composers A to Z

Visit the extensive audio archive of Radio 3 programmes about Composers and their works.

Who knew? Five eye-opening stories from Composer of the Week

Who knew? Five eye-opening stories from Composer of the Week

The production team reflects on 5 of Donald Macleod’s best stories from the last 20 years

Five reasons why we love Parry's Jerusalem

What is the strange power of Jerusalem which makes strong men weep?

A man out of time – why Parry's music and ideas were at odds with his image...

The composer of Jerusalem was very far from the conservative figure his image suggests.

Composer Help Page

Find resources and contacts for composers from within the classical music industry.