Schoenberg: Erwartung; Cabaret Songs

Dive into the profound and captivating world of Arnold Schoenberg with this remarkable 1993 release, "Schoenberg: Erwartung; Cabaret Songs." This album offers a unique blend of Schoenberg's groundbreaking compositions, showcasing his innovative approach to classical music.

The album opens with "Erwartung, Op. 17," a monodrama that explores the psychological turmoil of a woman searching for her lover in a dark forest. This intense and dramatic work is a seminal piece in Schoenberg's oeuvre, demonstrating his mastery of atonality and expressionism. Each track within "Erwartung" delves deeper into the protagonist's despair and confusion, providing a raw and unfiltered glimpse into her inner turmoil.

The second half of the album features "Cabaret Songs for voice & chamber orchestra," a collection of witty and irreverent songs that Schoenberg composed for the Überbrettl in Berlin. These songs, written in 1901, offer a stark contrast to the intensity of "Erwartung," showcasing Schoenberg's versatility and humor. From the playful "Gigerlette" to the poignant "Nachtwandler," these cabaret songs are a delightful exploration of human nature and societal norms.

This album, released under the Decca Music Group Ltd. label, spans a duration of approximately 62 minutes. The performances are conducted by the renowned James Levine, with Jessye Norman delivering a powerful and nuanced vocal performance. The combination of Norman's voice and Levine's conducting brings Schoenberg's complex compositions to life, making this album a essential addition to any classical music enthusiast's collection.