Dive into the intricate and avant-garde world of Anton Webern with "Boulez Conducts Webern," a meticulously crafted album released by Deutsche Grammophon in 1995. This collection, conducted by the legendary Pierre Boulez, offers a comprehensive journey through Webern's innovative compositions, spanning a variety of genres including chamber music and orchestral works. The album features a diverse array of pieces, from the delicate "Piano Quintet" to the evocative "5 Pieces for Orchestra, Op. 10," each showcasing Webern's unique approach to composition.
With a duration of just over an hour, this album is a testament to Webern's mastery of form and expression. The tracks range from the serene and contemplative to the lively and dynamic, reflecting the composer's ability to evoke a wide range of moods and atmospheres. Highlights include the hauntingly beautiful "2 Lieder nach Gedichten von Rike, Op. 8" and the intricate "5 Canons for Soprano, Clarinet & Bass Clarinet, Op. 16," which demonstrate Webern's skill in weaving complex musical textures.
Recorded in December 1995 at the Friedrich-Ebert-Halle in Hamburg, this album benefits from the exceptional acoustics of the venue and the precise execution of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra. Whether you are a seasoned fan of avant-garde music or a curious newcomer, "Boulez Conducts Webern" provides an unparalleled opportunity to explore the depths of Webern's musical genius. This album is a treasure trove of musical innovation, offering a rich and rewarding listening experience.
Piano QuintetAnton Webern, Ensemble Intercontemporain, Pierre Boulez, Pierre-Laurent Aimard
Entflieht auf leichten Kähnen, Op. 2Anton Webern, Ensemble Intercontemporain, Pierre Boulez, BBC Singers, Malcolm Hicks
2 Lieder nach Gedichten von Rike, Op. 8: I. Du, der ich's nicht sage. LangsamAnton Webern, Françoise Pollet, Ensemble Intercontemporain, Pierre Boulez
2 Lieder nach Gedichten von Rike, Op. 8: II. Du machst mich allein. Sehr langsamAnton Webern, Françoise Pollet, Ensemble Intercontemporain, Pierre Boulez
5 Pieces for Orchestra, Op. 10: I. Urbild. Sehr ruhig und zartAnton Webern, Ensemble Intercontemporain, Pierre Boulez
5 Pieces for Orchestra, Op. 10: II. Verwandlung. Lebhaft und zart bewegtAnton Webern, Ensemble Intercontemporain, Pierre Boulez
5 Pieces for Orchestra, Op. 10: III. Rückkehr. Sehr langsam und äußerst ruhigAnton Webern, Ensemble Intercontemporain, Pierre Boulez
5 Pieces for Orchestra, Op. 10: IV. Erinnerung. Fließend äußerst zartAnton Webern, Ensemble Intercontemporain, Pierre Boulez
5 Pieces for Orchestra, Op. 10: V. Seele. Sehr fließendAnton Webern, Ensemble Intercontemporain, Pierre Boulez
4 Lieder, Op. 13: No. 1, Wiese im Park. Sehr ruhigAnton Webern, Françoise Pollet, Ensemble Intercontemporain, Pierre Boulez
4 Lieder, Op. 13: No. 2, Die Einsame. BewegtAnton Webern, Françoise Pollet, Ensemble Intercontemporain, Pierre Boulez
4 Lieder, Op. 13: No. 3, In der Fremde. FliessendAnton Webern, Françoise Pollet, Ensemble Intercontemporain, Pierre Boulez
4 Lieder, Op. 13: No. 4, Ein Winterabend. Sehr ruhigAnton Webern, Françoise Pollet, Ensemble Intercontemporain, Pierre Boulez
6 Lieder nach Gedichten von Georg Trakl, Op. 14: No. 1, Die Sonne. Ruhig fliessendAnton Webern, Françoise Pollet, Ensemble Intercontemporain, Pierre Boulez
6 Lieder nach Gedichten von Georg Trakl, Op. 14: No. 2, Abendland I. Sehr lebhaftAnton Webern, Françoise Pollet, Ensemble Intercontemporain, Pierre Boulez
6 Lieder nach Gedichten von Georg Trakl, Op. 14: No. 3, Abendland II. LangsamAnton Webern, Françoise Pollet, Ensemble Intercontemporain, Pierre Boulez
6 Lieder nach Gedichten von Georg Trakl, Op. 14: No. 4, Abendland III. LangsamAnton Webern, Françoise Pollet, Ensemble Intercontemporain, Pierre Boulez
6 Lieder nach Gedichten von Georg Trakl, Op. 14: No. 5, Nachts. Sehr lebhaftAnton Webern, Françoise Pollet, Ensemble Intercontemporain, Pierre Boulez
6 Lieder nach Gedichten von Georg Trakl, Op. 14: No. 6, Gesang einer gefangenen Amsel. Sehr fliessende AchtelAnton Webern, Françoise Pollet, Ensemble Intercontemporain, Pierre Boulez
5 Geistliche Lieder, Op. 15: No. 1, Das Kreuz, das mußt' er tragen. GetragenAnton Webern, Christiane Oelze, Ensemble Intercontemporain, Pierre Boulez
3 Traditional Rhymes, Op. 17: No. 1, Armer Sünder, du. GemächlichAnton Webern, Christiane Oelze, Ensemble Intercontemporain, Pierre Boulez
3 Traditional Rhymes, Op. 17: No. 2, Liebste Jungfrau, wir sind dein. FliessendAnton Webern, Christiane Oelze, Ensemble Intercontemporain, Pierre Boulez
3 Traditional Rhymes, Op. 17: No. 3, Heiland, unsre Missetaten. LangsamAnton Webern, Christiane Oelze, Ensemble Intercontemporain, Pierre Boulez
3 Lieder for Voice, Clarinet & Guitar, Op. 18: No. 1, Schatzerl klein. Sehr ruhigAnton Webern, Christiane Oelze, Ensemble Intercontemporain, Pierre Boulez
3 Lieder for Voice, Clarinet & Guitar, Op. 18: No. 2, Erlösung: Mein Kind, sieh an. Sehr bewegtAnton Webern, Christiane Oelze, Ensemble Intercontemporain, Pierre Boulez
3 Lieder for Voice, Clarinet & Guitar, Op. 18: No. 3, Ave, Regina coelorum. LangsamAnton Webern, Christiane Oelze, Ensemble Intercontemporain, Pierre Boulez
2 Lieder, Op. 19: No. 1, Weiß wie Lilien. Lebhaft, leicht und freiAnton Webern, Ensemble Intercontemporain, Pierre Boulez, BBC Singers, Malcolm Hicks
2 Lieder, Op. 19: No. 2, Ziehn die Schafe. Sehr gemächlichAnton Webern, Ensemble Intercontemporain, Pierre Boulez, BBC Singers, Malcolm Hicks
Quartet, Op. 22 for Violin, Clarinet, Saxophone & Piano: I. Sehr mässigAnton Webern, Ensemble Intercontemporain, Pierre Boulez, Pierre-Laurent Aimard
Quartet, Op. 22 for Violin, Clarinet, Saxophone & Piano: II. Sehr schwungvollAnton Webern, Ensemble Intercontemporain, Pierre Boulez, Pierre-Laurent Aimard
Concerto, Op. 24 for 9 Instruments: I. Etwas lebhaftAnton Webern, Ensemble Intercontemporain, Pierre Boulez, Pierre-Laurent Aimard
Concerto, Op. 24 for 9 Instruments: II. Sehr langsamAnton Webern, Ensemble Intercontemporain, Pierre Boulez, Pierre-Laurent Aimard
Concerto, Op. 24 for 9 Instruments: III. Sehr raschAnton Webern, Ensemble Intercontemporain, Pierre Boulez, Pierre-Laurent Aimard
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.