In 1824 it was suggested that Schubert should write a work similar to Beethoven’s Septet (also recorded by the Gaudiers for Hyperion). He subsequently approached the project with such enthusiasm and concentration that a friend wrote of him, ‘If you go and see him during the day he says “Hello. How are you?” and carries on working, whereupon you leave’. Schubert added a second violin to Beethoven’s scoring for clarinet, bassoon, horn, violin, viola, cello and double bass, but adhered to the Septet’s movement structure and key sequences almost entirely. However, the melody and beauty that infuse the Octet are quintessentially Schubert, and justify the work’s enduring popularity.

Here are outstanding performances from an ensemble that draws together some of the most distinguished musicians in Europe.