Schoenberg: Orchestral Arrangements

Dive into the world of classical music with "Schoenberg: Orchestral Arrangements," a captivating album that showcases the brilliance of Robert Craft and the combined talents of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, CBC Symphony Orchestra, and Columbia Symphony Orchestra. Released on January 1, 1962, under the Sony Classical label, this album is a testament to the innovative orchestral arrangements by Arnold Schoenberg and Anton Webern.

Spanning a duration of 1 hour and 7 minutes, this album features a rich collection of works, including Schoenberg's arrangements of Brahms' Piano Quartet No. 1 in G Minor, Op. 25, and Bach's Prelude & Fugue in E-Flat Major, BWV 552 "St. Anne." Additionally, you'll find Schoenberg's orchestrations of Bach's chorale preludes and Webern's orchestration of Schubert's 6 German Dances.

The album opens with the dramatic and intense first movement of Brahms' Piano Quartet No. 1, followed by the lively Intermezzo and the contemplative Andante con moto. The final movement, Rondo alla zingarese, is a lively and rhythmic piece that showcases the orchestras' virtuosity.

The second half of the album features Bach's monumental Prelude & Fugue in E-Flat Major, BWV 552 "St. Anne," arranged by Schoenberg. The Prelude is a grand and majestic piece, while the Fugue is a complex and intricate work that demonstrates Bach's contrapuntal mastery.

The album concludes with a selection of chorale preludes and German dances, arranged by Schoenberg and Webern. These pieces offer a contrast to the larger works on the album, showcasing the orchestras' versatility and sensitivity.

"Schoenberg: Orchestral Arrangements" is a must-listen for anyone interested in classical music, offering a unique perspective on some of the most beloved works in the repertoire. The combined talents of Robert Craft and the featured orchestras bring these arrangements to life, creating a listening experience that is both engaging and rewarding.