Death and the Maiden (Schubert)

Death and the Maiden (String Quartet No. 14 in D minor, D.810).

For many years this has been my favourite piece of classical music.

Whilst I love the entire piece, I particularly love the first movement. It feels like a dramatisation of the human response to death: initially, shock, denial and resistance. Then, the moments of reflection and beauty; the struggle to avoid death; and finally, the acceptance of it at the end.

I always hated classical music before hearing Death and the Maiden, it really was what opened my mind and ears up to further exploration. Over the years, I have come to really love and appreciate this piece more and more.

Does anyone else particularly enjoy this one?