Schoenberg: L'arrangeur arrangé

Immerse yourself in the revolutionary sounds of Arnold Schoenberg with "Schoenberg: L'arrangeur arrangé," a captivating exploration of the composer's enduring legacy. This album, part of the "Voix Étouffées - Missing Voices" series, celebrates Schoenberg's innovative spirit and his profound impact on 20th-century music. Released on November 22, 2024, by Editions Hortus, this collection features meticulously arranged works that showcase Schoenberg's genius as a composer and theorist.

The album spans a rich tapestry of compositions, including the "Erste Kammersymphonie, Op. 9," arranged by Anton Webern, and the complete "Das Buch der hängenden Gärten, Op. 15," expertly arranged by Howard Burrell. These pieces, along with the "Fünf Orchesterstücke, Op. 16," offer a comprehensive journey through Schoenberg's masterful orchestration and harmonic innovations.

Schoenberg, a visionary who revolutionized musical theory and composition, was also a victim of Nazi antisemitism. His works, marked by their groundbreaking techniques and expressive depth, continue to inspire and challenge musicians and listeners alike. This album is a testament to his enduring influence, presented with clarity and precision by conductor Amaury du Closel and performed by the talented Thomas Tacquet.

With a running time of one hour and two minutes, "Schoenberg: L'arrangeur arrangé" is a compelling addition to any classical music collection, offering a deep dive into the mind of one of the most influential composers of the modern era.

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.