Schubert’s black-winged demon of sorrow

In 1827 Franz Schubert held a candle during Beethoven’s funeral. Distressed by the death of the composer he revered above all others, Schubert’s thoughts turned to his own poor health and growing sense of mortality. He died the following year in a cold, dark Vienna garret, but not before completing one last masterpiece.

Desert Island Discs (2) – Beethoven and Schubert

Ludwig van Beethoven’s Piano Sonata No. 29 in B flat major, Op. 106, known as the “Hammerklavier”, is widely considered to be one of the most important works of the piano repertoire.