[8bitsrule]

Undoubtedly Schubert's illness had some effect on his mood, if not on his productivity. Whatever it was that led his writing to mature beyond his earlier work, it certainly did that.

I don't plan to start looking for more agony in his later works than his earlier ones. The 'Unfinished', written in the fall of 1822 (he moved into his parent's home, unable to leave until the following spring) has none. Similarly for the Rosamunde music, written before the Dec. 1823 premiere.

Then there's the Great Symphony, written 1825-26. Everywhere countless ideas and themes; In 1840 Schumann said of it "this work reveals life in every fiber, color down to the finest shading, significance everywhere, the most acute expression of individual detail ..." To what should we attribute the frightful 'battle' in the Andante? This isn't program music.

In the late chamber works, yes, I feel some deep regret - and anger. A great tragedy - but - his disease certainly was not his master.