Schoenberg: String Quartet No. 1 & Verklärte Nacht

Dive into the captivating world of Arnold Schoenberg with this compelling album, released by Naxos on September 3, 2013. This collection showcases Schoenberg's mastery of string compositions, featuring two of his most significant works: the String Quartet No. 1, Op. 7, and the iconic "Verklärte Nacht" (Transfigured Night), Op. 4. The album also includes a selection of Schoenberg's intricate "Thirty Canons," demonstrating his innovative approach to composition.

The String Quartet No. 1, Op. 7, and "Verklärte Nacht" share striking similarities, both technically and structurally, making them ideal concert partners. These works, once overshadowed by historical events, are now celebrated for their artistic merit and historical significance. The album is dedicated to the memory of Jenö Lehner, a beloved mentor and dear friend of the Schoenberg Quartet.

This album offers a comprehensive exploration of Schoenberg's string compositions, spanning a duration of 1 hour and 17 minutes. The Fred Sherry String Quartet and Fred Sherry String Sextet deliver powerful performances, bringing Schoenberg's visionary works to life. Whether you're a seasoned classical enthusiast or a newcomer to Schoenberg's music, this album provides a rich and rewarding listening experience.

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.