Immerse yourself in the intricate world of early 20th-century classical music with "Berg, Schoenberg & Webern: Piano Works," a captivating album released by Warner Classics on September 13, 2024. This collection showcases the piano masterpieces of Arnold Schoenberg, a titan of the Second Viennese School, alongside works by his pupils, Alban Berg and Anton Webern.
Elisabeth Leonskaja, a renowned pianist, brings her interpretive brilliance to this hour-long journey through the piano repertoire of these influential composers. The album opens with Berg's Piano Sonata in B Minor, Op. 1, a work that reveals the young composer's early style and technical prowess. Webern's Variations for Piano, Op. 27, follows, demonstrating his concise and economical approach to composition.
The bulk of the album is dedicated to Schoenberg's piano works, including the aphoristic 3 Pieces, Op. 11, the evocative 6 Little Piano Pieces, Op. 19, and the comprehensive Suite, Op. 25. These works span a range of styles and moods, from the delicate and introspective to the energetic and virtuosic. Each piece offers a glimpse into Schoenberg's innovative approach to harmony and form, which would go on to shape the course of 20th-century music.
"Berg, Schoenberg & Webern: Piano Works" is a testament to the enduring power and relevance of these composers' music. Whether you're a seasoned classical enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience.