Dive into the intricate world of Anton Webern with "Boulez Conducts Webern III," a captivating exploration of the composer's avant-garde and chamber music compositions. This album, released by Deutsche Grammophon in 1996, features the renowned conductor Pierre Boulez at the helm of the Berliner Philharmoniker, accompanied by the BBC Singers, soprano Christiane Oelze, and bass Gerald Finley.
The album spans a concise yet powerful 58 minutes, offering a deep dive into Webern's unique musical language. It includes a range of works, from the orchestral "5 Pieces for Orchestra, Op. posth" to the vocal "3 Lieder for Voice and Orchestra, Op. posth" and the expansive "Symphony, Op. 21." The collection also features cantatas, variations, and other orchestral pieces that showcase Webern's innovative approach to composition.
Recorded in the Grosser Saal of the Berlin Philharmonie in February 1996, this album benefits from the exceptional acoustics and the precision of the Berliner Philharmoniker, known for their tonal beauty and technical prowess. Boulez's conducting brings out the intricate details and subtle nuances of Webern's scores, making this a standout recording in the canon of Webern's works.
Whether you're a seasoned fan of Webern's music or a newcomer to his avant-garde style, "Boulez Conducts Webern III" offers a rich and rewarding listening experience. The album's diverse tracklist, expert performances, and high-quality recording make it a valuable addition to any classical music collection.
5 Pieces for Orchestra, Op. posth: I. BewegtAnton Webern, Berliner Philharmoniker, Pierre Boulez
5 Pieces for Orchestra, Op. posth: II. Langsam. SostenutoAnton Webern, Berliner Philharmoniker, Pierre Boulez
5 Pieces for Orchestra, Op. posth: III. Sehr bewegte ViertelAnton Webern, Berliner Philharmoniker, Pierre Boulez
5 Pieces for Orchestra, Op. posth: IV. Langsame ViertelAnton Webern, Berliner Philharmoniker, Pierre Boulez
5 Pieces for Orchestra, Op. posth: V. (Alla breve)Anton Webern, Berliner Philharmoniker, Pierre Boulez
3 Lieder for Voice and Orchestra, Op. posth: No. 1, Leise DüfteAnton Webern, Christiane Oelze, Berliner Philharmoniker, Pierre Boulez
3 Lieder for Voice and Orchestra, Op. posth: No. 2, Kunfttag IIIAnton Webern, Christiane Oelze, Berliner Philharmoniker, Pierre Boulez
3 Lieder for Voice and Orchestra, Op. posth: No. 3, O sanftes Glühn der BergeAnton Webern, Christiane Oelze, Berliner Philharmoniker, Pierre Boulez
Symphony, Op. 21: I. Ruhig schreitendAnton Webern, Berliner Philharmoniker, Pierre Boulez
Symphony, Op. 21: II. VariationenAnton Webern, Berliner Philharmoniker, Pierre Boulez
Das Augenlicht, Op. 26Anton Webern, Berliner Philharmoniker, Pierre Boulez, BBC Singers
Kantate I, Op. 29: I. Getragen – LebhaftAnton Webern, Berliner Philharmoniker, Pierre Boulez, BBC Singers
Kantate I, Op. 29: II. Leicht bewegtAnton Webern, Christiane Oelze, Berliner Philharmoniker, Pierre Boulez
Kantate I, Op. 29: III. RuhigAnton Webern, Christiane Oelze, Berliner Philharmoniker, Pierre Boulez, BBC Singers
Variations for Orchestra, Op. 30Anton Webern, Berliner Philharmoniker, Pierre Boulez
Kantate II, Op. 31: I. Schweigt auch die Welt. Sehr lebhaft – RuhigAnton Webern, Gerald Finley, Berliner Philharmoniker, Pierre Boulez
Kantate II, Op. 31: II. Sehr tief verhalten innerst Leben. Sehr verhaltenAnton Webern, Gerald Finley, Berliner Philharmoniker, Pierre Boulez
Kantate II, Op. 31: III. Schöpfen aus Brunnen des Himmels. Sehr bewegtAnton Webern, Christiane Oelze, Berliner Philharmoniker, Pierre Boulez, BBC Singers
Kantate II, Op. 31: IV. Leichteste Bürden der Bäume. Sehr lebhaftAnton Webern, Christiane Oelze, Berliner Philharmoniker, Pierre Boulez
Kantate II, Op. 31: V. Freundselig ist das Wort. Sehr mässigAnton Webern, Christiane Oelze, Berliner Philharmoniker, Pierre Boulez, BBC Singers
Kantate II, Op. 31: VI. Gelockert aus dem Schosse. Sehr fliessendAnton Webern, Berliner Philharmoniker, Pierre Boulez, BBC Singers
Anton Webern, born in Vienna in 1883, was an Austrian composer and conductor whose innovative approach to music left an indelible mark on the 20th century. A key figure in the Second Viennese School, alongside Arnold Schoenberg and Alban Berg, Webern is renowned for his pioneering use of atonality and the twelve-tone technique. His compositions, often concise and structurally rigorous, reflect his deep study of both historical music and the avant-garde teachings of his time. Webern's works, primarily in the genres of avant-garde and chamber music, continue to inspire and challenge musicians and enthusiasts alike, offering a rich exploration of sound and form. His legacy is celebrated through his extensive catalogue of works, which remain as relevant and influential today as they were during his lifetime.
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Anton Webern
