Schoenberg: Erwartung

Immerse yourself in the avant-garde genius of Arnold Schoenberg with this captivating album, released by Chandos in May 2020. This collection features two of Schoenberg's most seminal works: "Erwartung" and "Pelleas und Melisande." Spanning just over an hour, this album offers a deep dive into the composer's innovative style and his pioneering role in the development of atonal music.

"Erwartung," completed in 1909 but not premiered until 1924, is a groundbreaking monodrama in one act with a libretto by Marie Pappenheim. This intense, psychologically charged work is one of the first examples of a freudian music drama, exploring themes of anxiety, desire, and the subconscious. The piece is a stark departure from traditional opera, featuring a single soprano voice accompanied by a large orchestra, and is a testament to Schoenberg's innovative approach to composition.

"Pelleas und Melisande," composed in 1902-1903, is an orchestral song cycle based on the play by Maurice Maeterlinck. This work showcases Schoenberg's early style, with its rich harmonies and expressive melodies. The cycle is performed here in its entirety, offering a comprehensive look at Schoenberg's early development as a composer.

This album is a essential addition to any classical music collection, featuring stunning performances by the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra under the direction of Edward Gardner, with Sara Jakubiak as the soprano in "Erwartung." The album was originally recorded in June 2019 and features 24 tracks, providing a comprehensive exploration of Schoenberg's unique musical language. Whether you're a longtime fan of Schoenberg's work or a newcomer to his music, this album offers a compelling introduction to the composer's innovative approach to composition.

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.