The public is invited to a performance of “Schubert: Unfinished Symphony” with Oak Park Arms resident Alfred Schoepko at 3:30 p.m. Sunday, March 2, at the Oak Park Arms, 408 S. Oak Park Ave.
In each Exploring Music session, Schoepko focuses on a classical music selection. The piece is listened to, usually on a disc, after which a discussion about the artist and the work takes place.
Franz Schubert was a prolific Austrian composer in the early 1800s who wrote ten complete or nearly complete symphonies, operas and liturgical music, a large body of chamber and solo piano music, and some 600 Lieder (songs) in his short lifespan of less than 32 years.
His piece “Symphony No. 8,” also known as the “Unfinished Symphony,” has been called the first Romantic symphony due to its emphasis on expressive melody, creative combinations of tone and vivid harmony. Today he is ranked among the greatest composers of the early Romantic era.
Started in 1822, “Symphony No. 8” only has two completed movements despite his living another six years. Musicologists disagree as to why Schubert failed to complete his symphony, or if he even failed to complete it at all. Regardless, the piece was accepted and revered by his peers, and has since been present in popular culture such as movies and T.V. shows countless times.
Oak Park Arms Senior Living is a rental retirement community which provides senior housing in the form of independent living. Furnished apartments are also available for a short-term stay – a weekend, a week, a month or longer.
The event is free and open to the public. For more information call 708-386-4040.
