Schubert seeks a publisher

Composers Datebook

Synopsis

On today’s date in 1826, Franz Schubert completed what would be his last string quartet, published posthumously as his Opus 161.

1826 was a rather frustrating year for Schubert. Prospects for commissions didn’t pan out, and he wrote the following note to the oldest publishing house in Germany, Breitkopf & Härtel:

“In the hope that my name is not wholly unknown to you, I am venturing to ask whether you would be disposed to take over at a moderate price some of my compositions, for I very much want to become as well-known as possible in Germany. Your selection could be made from the following: songs, strings quartets, piano sonatas, etc. etc. Signed, Franz Schubert, Auf der Wieden #100, in Frühwirth’s house, fifth staircase, second floor — Vienna”

The publishing firm responded with a proposal to try out one or two of Schubert’s piano pieces, but as payment only offered him free copies of the printed music. Schubert was definitely not “as well-known as possible” in Germany, and nine years earlier, when he submitted his now-famous setting of Goethe’s poem, “The Erl King” to Breitkopf and Härtel, they confused him with another composer named Franz Schubert who lived in Dresden.

Music Played in Today's Program

Franz Schubert (1795-1828): String Quartet No. 15; Emerson String Quartet; DG 459 151