SCHOENBERG: PELLEAS UND MELISANDE " Symphonische Dichtung für Orchester"; " Variationen für Orchester"

Album Description

Dive into the world of Arnold Schoenberg with this captivating 1994 release from Nar Classical. This album presents two of Schoenberg's most significant orchestral works, offering a profound exploration of his early compositional style.

The album opens with "Pelleas und Melisande, Op. 5," a symphonic poem inspired by Maurice Maeterlinck's play. This piece, composed in 1902-1903, showcases Schoenberg's lush, late Romantic orchestration and his innovative approach to harmony. The work is divided into eleven sections, each marked with specific tempo indications, guiding the listener through a dramatic and evocative narrative.

The second half of the album features "Variations for Orchestra, Op. 31." Completed in 1928, this piece is a testament to Schoenberg's mastery of form and his pioneering use of atonality. The work consists of twelve variations based on a simple, folk-like theme, demonstrating Schoenberg's ability to create complex and engaging music from modest beginnings.

Performed by the Sinfonie Orchester des Westdeutscher Rundfunk under the baton of Bruno Maderna, this recording captures the full power and subtlety of Schoenberg's orchestral writing. With a duration of 1 hour and 10 minutes, this album is an essential addition to any classical music collection, offering a rich and rewarding listening experience.

June 1, 1994

℗ 1994 Nar International Srl su licenza di Nikolaos Velissiotis

About Arnold Schoenberg

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.