Which instrument plays the "Unfinished Symphony" theme the first time?

Question

In Schubert's Unfininished Symphony, what instrument plays the famous theme the first time it occurs? The theme is repeated layer in a higher pitch, on what sounds like a violin to me. The first time around is it a violin, a viola, or something else?

suhwahaksaeng · Accepted Answer

Since the second theme in the first movement is the best known theme from the Unfinished Symphony, I think that is the theme which you are referring to.

This is how to find it on the score:

1. Go to http://imslp.org/wiki/Symphony_No.8,_D.759_(Schubert,_Franz)

2. Click on "Full Scores."

3. Click on "Orchestra Score with Piano Transcription."

4. Scroll down to page 7.  In the ninth measure, you see the theme played by the cellos.  (Only "cello solo" is not quite the right term.  That would imply that it is played by only one cello.) That's the second staff from the bottom on the grand staff.

5. Scroll down to page 8.  In the eighth measure, you see the theme repeated, as you say, by the first and second violins.  That's the fourth and fifth staff down on the grand staff.

Steven · Answer

I love this piece! 
If you are talking about te very first theme, then the first time, it is a cello and double bass. The second time (if you're talking about when I think you're talking about) it is played again by the cello and double bass playing very low, and is then passed to violins playing very high. Just after that bit, there is a loud part in which the whole orchestra plays together, but the most prominent instrument are the low brass and low strings.
If you mean the first melody after the introduction, then the last answer sums it up pretty well.
If you mean the happier, relaxing theme a bit later, it starts out as a cello solo, and then it is passed onto the violins and flutes.
If none of this answer makes sense, then I apologise.

Nemesis · Answer

The principal subject (bars 13 -20) is stated jointly by the principal oboe and principal clarinet, and repeated (at the *same* pitch) by them (bars 22-29) but now joined by the principal horn and then the principal flute delivering a counter statement. Both statements are supported by the strings throughout, VI & VII delivering the restless arco motifs supported by the viole, celli & basses pizzicato.

Should you have the opening motto in mind (bars 1-8) that is presented by the 'celli and basses alone, and not repeated until the start of the development.

All the best,

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Which instrument plays the "Unfinished Symphony" theme the first time?

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