シェーンベルク: 月に憑かれたピエロ Op. 21

Dive into the hauntingly beautiful world of Arnold Schoenberg's masterpiece with this captivating rendition of "Pierrot lunaire, Op. 21." This album, released on September 23, 2022, under the MClassics label, offers a unique and intimate experience of Schoenberg's seminal work, arranged for voice and piano by Erwin Stein. Spanning 45 minutes, this recording features all 21 songs from the original cycle, along with an enchanting bonus track, "Soochow Serenade," arranged by Y. Meguri.

Schoenberg's "Pierrot lunaire" is a seminal work in the realm of 20th-century classical music, known for its expressive use of Sprechgesang, a vocal style that blends speech and song. This album showcases the intricate interplay between the voice and piano, highlighting the composer's innovative approach to tonality and form. The performance is brought to life by a talented ensemble of artists, including the renowned vocalists Kertin Meyer and Akane Kudo, accompanied by the skilled pianist Yumiko Meguri.

The album is presented in its original German, with each song offering a glimpse into the surreal and often darkly humorous world of the moonstruck Pierrot. From the whimsical "Mondestrunken" to the haunting "Galgenlied," each track is a testament to Schoenberg's unique vision and the enduring power of his music. Whether you're a seasoned classical enthusiast or a curious newcomer, this album is sure to captivate and inspire.

Arnold Schoenberg, born in Vienna in 1874, was a revolutionary figure in 20th-century classical music, renowned for his groundbreaking compositions and theoretical innovations. As a composer, Schoenberg was among the first to challenge traditional harmony, pioneering atonality and developing the twelve-tone technique, which uses a specific order of all twelve pitches in the chromatic scale. This method, also known as serialism, had a profound impact on the course of modern music.

Schoenberg's music is characterized by its use of motives to create coherence and his exploration of dissonance. He was also a prolific writer and teacher, influencing generations of composers, including Alban Berg and Anton Webern. Beyond music, Schoenberg was a multifaceted artist who also painted and invented. His legacy extends far beyond his compositions, encompassing his influential teachings and writings that continue to shape the way we understand and create music today. Schoenberg's journey from his early works to his atonal innovations and twelve-tone technique is a testament to his enduring influence on classical music.