The Greatest Love and the Greatest Sorrow

This documentary does not focus on the details of Schubert's life. Instead, it aims to connect viewers with the essence of his creative gift. The film begins with the funeral of Beethoven, where Schubert served as a torch-bearer, and it unfolds through music composed in the twenty months following that event.

The narrative is enriched with quotations from Schubert's letters and diaries, as well as lyrics from his songs. The film features a legendary 1969 performance of The Trout, starring notable musicians such as Daniel Barenboim, Itzhak Perlman, and Jacqueline du Pré. Personal introductions by Christopher Nupen and Jacqueline du Pré provide additional context and insight into the film's themes and Schubert's legacy.