Schoenberg: Pierrot lunaire

Album Description

Immerse yourself in the groundbreaking world of Arnold Schoenberg with this captivating album, "Schoenberg: Pierrot Lunaire." Released on April 9, 2021, via Alpha Classics, this collection showcases Schoenberg's innovative spirit and his enduring influence on classical music. The album features a diverse range of compositions, from the seminal work "Pierrot Lunaire, Op. 21" to other notable pieces such as "Emperor’s Waltz, Op. 437," "Phantasy for Violin and Piano, Op. 47," and "Four Pieces for Violin and Piano, Op. 7."

"Pierrot Lunaire" itself is a landmark in both chamber music and musical drama, enacts a descent from instability to hell and then back towards nostalgic memories of an already decayed world. This seminal work, along with other compositions, highlights Schoenberg's unique approach to music, blending traditional forms with avant-garde techniques. The album spans a duration of 1 hour and 12 minutes, offering a rich and varied listening experience.

In addition to Schoenberg's own compositions, the album includes works by other notable composers such as Johann Strauss II, Anton Webern, and Fritz Kreisler, providing a broader context for Schoenberg's contributions to the classical genre. The ensemble features talented performers, including Reinbert de Leeuw and Barbara Sukowa, who bring these compositions to life with precision and passion.

Whether you're a seasoned classical enthusiast or a newcomer to Schoenberg's music, this album offers a compelling exploration of one of the 20th century's most influential composers. Dive into the intricate melodies, innovative harmonies, and profound narratives that define Arnold Schoenberg's enduring legacy.

9 april 2021

2021 Alpha Classics / Outhere Music France

2021 adio SRF 2 Kultur & Alpha Classics / Outhere Music France

About Arnold Schoenberg

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.