シェーンベルク: 月に憑かれたピエロ Op. 21

Dive into the captivating world of Arnold Schoenberg's "Pierrot lunaire, Op. 21" with this exquisite 2022 release from MClassics. This album presents a unique arrangement by Erwin Stein for voice and piano, offering a fresh perspective on Schoenberg's seminal work. Spanning 45 minutes, this collection of 22 tracks showcases the composer's innovative use of Sprechgesang, a vocal style that blends speech and song, accompanied by a distinctive ensemble of instruments.

The album features a haunting and evocative exploration of the character Pierrot, drawn from a cycle of poems by Belgian symbolist Albert Giraud. Each track, from the moonlit reverie of "Mondestrunken" to the chilling "Enthauptung," delves into the surreal and often dark themes that define this iconic work. The album concludes with "Soochow Serenade," arranged by Y. Meguri, adding a serene and reflective note to the collection.

This recording is a testament to Schoenberg's groundbreaking compositional techniques and his enduring influence on 20th-century music. Whether you're a seasoned classical enthusiast or a curious newcomer, this album offers a compelling introduction to Schoenberg's unique musical language and his enduring legacy.

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.