Composed by Schubert for piano 4-hands in 1828, the year of his death, Lebensstürme (Storms of Life) was one of several major works recovered in manuscript and published post-humously. Like his Grand Duo (another late score for piano 4-hands,) it is orchestral in conception and symphonic in scope. In one movement, the work lasts 18 minutes (including the exposition repeat, which I strongly recommend in performance.) The Grand Duo was orchestrated by Joseph Joachim under the supervision of Brahms, at the behest of Schumann. I have orchestrated Lebenssturme in the majestic manner of Schubert's "Great" C Major Symphony, with important roles for trombones and trumpets – befitting its monumental and dramatic character. The score is available for perusal, listening and purchase on sibeliusmusic.com. The instrumental parts are available for rental only for specific performances/recordings, from Stellar Editions, Noteworthy Music, 132 Loucks Avenue, Los Altos, CA 94022-1045 USA. Tel. 650-948-2060. Email: noteworthy@zasu.us. To reach Mark Starr directly: markstarr@sbcglobal.net. Browsers who might be interested to know more about the historical background of this remarkable work are directed to my essay that precedes the music. This essay is accessible with Scorch by using the player's page arrows to locate pages 2.

In addition to perusing the score online and hearing it played by basic MIDI sounds with SCORCH, you can also listen online to an MP3 made with enhanced musical sounds. And if you wish, you can download this MP3 file free-of-charge for repeated listening.

Please let me know what you think of this orchestral arrangement of Franz Schubert's Lebenssturme (Storms of Life) - either by email (just click the button EMAIL THE PUBLISHER) or with an online review. I am always interested to read listeners' comments.

MS