Schoenberg: Erwartung

Dive into the profound and evocative world of Arnold Schoenberg with his masterful compositions, "Pelleas und Melisande, Op. 5" and "Erwartung, Op. 17." This captivating album, released on May 1, 2020, under the esteemed Chandos label, offers a rich tapestry of classical music that spans a duration of 1 hour and 7 minutes. The album features the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Edward Gardner, with the powerful vocals of Sara Jakubiak, who brings an intense restraint and conversational familiarity to the text, making the performances both haunting and luminous.

"Pelleas und Melisande, Op. 5" is a symphonic poem that beautifully captures the essence of the tragic love story between Pelleas and Melisande. The work is divided into several movements, each with its own unique tempo and character, ranging from the gentle "Ein wenig bewegt" to the dramatic "Sehr rasch - Wieder im Zeitmaß." Schoenberg's orchestration is both intricate and expressive, showcasing his mastery of the symphonic form.

"Erwartung, Op. 17" is a monodrama for soprano and orchestra, a groundbreaking work in the realm of atonal music. The piece is a single, continuous movement that delves into the psyche of a woman searching for her lover in a dark forest. The text, written by Marie Pappenheim, is fragmented and stream-of-consciousness, reflecting the woman's state of mind. Jakubiak's performance is nothing short of extraordinary, conveying the character's desperation, fear, and ultimately, her descent into madness.

This album is a testament to Schoenberg's innovative spirit and his enduring influence on 20th-century music. Whether you are a seasoned classical enthusiast or a curious newcomer, this album offers a compelling journey through the depths of human experience, as interpreted by one of the most visionary composers of all time.

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.