Work of the Week – Huw Watkins: Octet

By Christopher Peter
28 Sep 2025

Composer Huw Watkins, smiling in a black suit against a gray background. He leans casually on a chair's backrest, with his head tilted slightly to the side.

The renowned British composer Huw Watkins, one of the leading voices of his generation, has created a new work: the Octet. The world premiere of this celebratory piece will take place on October 3, 2025, at the Center for the Arts in Fairfax, Virginia. It is a commissioned work for the musicians of the world-famous Academy of St Martin in the Fields and serves as the brilliant highlight of their autumn tour in the USA.

Watkins is not only known as a composer but also as a distinguished pianist. His works are characterized by a wide range, from intimate chamber music pieces to large-scale orchestral works. His new Octet was specifically written for the same instrumentation as Schubert's monumental cctet D 803 from 1824. This makes it an exciting companion piece, even though there are no direct musical references or thematic borrowings. Rather, it is about the sonic possibilities this instrumentation offers: it can sound like a miniature orchestra with powerful tutti passages, but it can also unfold intimate, delicate chamber music textures.

The Octetis composed in a single movement, which is divided into four seamless sections. The odd-numbered parts (one and three) are slow, stately, and grand, while the even-numbered parts (two and four) are fast-moving, virtuosic, and exuberant, leading the piece to a brilliant, high-spirited conclusion.

The Academy of St Martin in the Fields, known for its fresh yet classic approach, is the ideal performer for this work. Founded in 1958 by Sir Neville Marriner, the ensemble has profoundly influenced chamber music and orchestral repertoire and is celebrated worldwide for its impeccable precision and musical vibrancy. Watkins, who has collaborated with the orchestra as a pianist, is very familiar with the ensemble. Following the premiere in Fairfax, the tour continues with performances on October 4 in Kennesaw, October 5 in Athens, October 6 in Augusta, October 9 in La Jolla, October 11 in Los Alamos, and October 12 in San Antonio.

Interview with the composer about his work

Your Octet has the same instrumentation as Schubert's monumental work. Did you feel a sense of awe for the musical history?

Watkins: Absolutely. Schubert's octet is a monumental work that I greatly admire. It was a fascinating challenge to write for this instrumentation, which offers so many sonic possibilities – from the power of a small orchestra to very intimate chamber music passages.

How does your Octet differ from Schubert's piece?

Watkins: While we share the same instrumentation, our pieces are not musically related. My Octet is a standalone work, coming from a different time and a different musical spirit. It has its own narrative structure, and I have not been inspired by Schubert's themes.

You describe your piece as "celebratory and exuberant." What musical ideas are behind that?

Watkins: I wanted to write a piece that exudes joy and virtuosity. The fast sections are full of energy and lead to a triumphant conclusion. They contrast with the slow, stately parts, which can contain a certain melancholy.

What is special about collaborating with the Academy of St Martin in the Fields?

Watkins: It's a great honor to write for them. Their musicians are not only technically brilliant but also have an incredible musical sensitivity for chamber music. I am confident that they will perfectly express the different textures and moods of the piece.