Lately I've been exploring Schubert, and it's a revelation. I've loved some of his music for many years, but recently I've been enjoying some less familiar pieces, as well as hearing some of the old favorites with a fresh approach. In his own way, I think he was as revolutionary as Beethoven.
His works tend to move in a different time scale; some movements are quite long, but I find that they reward patient listening. As an example, at times I used to think that the finale of the Ninth Symphony spends a long time on autopilot, an impression that can be reinforced if all the symphony's repeats are observed. But now, I find it a work of incredible genius, and when he does ratchet up the tension in the last few minutes, the release is cathartic.
I will also mention the String Quintet D 956, written in the last months of his life, and, I believe, his last work. Sections are otherworldly, almost literally in the sense that the gravely ill composer seemed to feel himself being drawn to another realm. The slow movement, with time-stands-still serenity punctuated by a turbulent episode, is one of the glories of the repertory. The vigorous Scherzo calms for a hushed and ethereal trio section, and even the finale has mysterious episodes before ending on an emphatic minor second.
Great stuff!
