The final years
In 1823 when Schubert’s health rapidly deteriorated, his fortune turned against him. He oscillates between exuberance and depression and was driven by a restless creativity.
There is speculation about his diagnosis as changes in mood and problems with vision, combined with thirst, were associated with diabetes.
Biographer’s link this to the prevalent syphilis infection which symptoms were well-known. Rumors also circulated that typhus was the cause of death.
The successes became ever fewer. His last opera attempt Rosamunde got a cold response. In 1826, he unsuccessfully sought service as Court Conductor and failed in attempts to contact German publishers.
When he was not appointed as Court Conductor he commented: ”So I am not blessed with the ability to write in the Emperor’s style.
