Berg: Lyric Suite & Webern: Five Pieces/Six Bagatelles

Dive into the avant-garde world of chamber music with this captivating collection featuring works by Anton Webern and Alban Berg. Released on June 23, 1961, under Revolver Records, this album presents a compelling journey through some of the most innovative and influential compositions of the 20th century.

The album opens with Alban Berg's "Lyric Suite," a profound and intricate work that showcases Berg's mastery of chromaticism and his ability to blend traditional and modern elements. The suite's six movements, ranging from the playful "Allegretto gioviale" to the haunting "Largo desolato," offer a rich tapestry of musical expression.

Following Berg's suite, the album delves into Anton Webern's contributions to the string quartet repertoire. Webern's "Five Movements for String Quartet, Op.5" and "Six Bagatelles for String Quartet, Op.9" are exemplars of his distinctive style, characterized by its conciseness, clarity, and use of atonality. These pieces, composed between 1909 and 1913, demonstrate Webern's pioneering approach to musical structure and form, making them essential listening for any fan of avant-garde music.

With a total duration of 47 minutes, this album is a concise yet powerful exploration of the avant-garde and chamber music genres. Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast or a curious newcomer, this collection offers a unique and enriching experience, highlighting the genius of two of the most influential composers of the modern era.

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.