Schoenberg: The Hanging Gardens

Immerse yourself in the evocative world of Arnold Schoenberg's "The Hanging Gardens," a captivating collection of songs that showcases the composer's innovative approach to music. Released on February 26, 2021, by Da Vinci Classics, this album spans a rich hour and three minutes of classical mastery, featuring a diverse array of compositions that highlight Schoenberg's unique voice.

The album presents a selection of Schoenberg's most celebrated vocal works, including the complete set of "Fünfzehn Gedichte aus 'Das Buch der hängenden Gärten', Op. 15," a song cycle that sets poetry by Stefan George to music. This cycle is particularly notable for its exploration of atonality and is often credited as one of the first examples of free twelve-note technique. The album also includes "Vier Lieder" and "Acht Lieder für eine Singstimme und Klavier, Op. 6," each offering a glimpse into Schoenberg's evolving compositional style.

Schoenberg's "The Hanging Gardens" is a testament to his enduring influence on classical music. The album features performances that bring out the depth and complexity of Schoenberg's compositions, making it an essential addition to any classical music enthusiast's collection. Whether you are a longtime admirer of Schoenberg's work or a newcomer to his music, this album offers a compelling introduction to the composer's innovative and thought-provoking approach to songwriting.

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.