Webern: Passacaglia / Fünf Sätze für Streichorchester / Sechs Orchesterstücke / Sinfonie

Dive into the avant-garde world of Anton Webern with this seminal 1961 release, a collection of some of his most innovative and influential works. This album, recorded by the MDR Sinfonieorchester under the baton of Herbert Kegel, offers a comprehensive exploration of Webern's unique compositional style, which bridges the gap between late Romanticism and the atonal music of the 20th century. The album features a variety of chamber and orchestral pieces, showcasing Webern's mastery of form and his pioneering use of serialism.

The album opens with the powerful "Passacaglia, Op. 1," a work that demonstrates Webern's early exploration of atonality within a structured form. Following this is the "Fünf Sätze, Op. 5," a set of five movements for string orchestra that highlight Webern's ability to create intricate textures and harmonies with a limited number of instruments. The "Sechs Stücke, Op. 6," offers a diverse range of moods and tempos, from the slow and contemplative to the lively and energetic. The album concludes with the "Sinfonie, Op. 21," a work that showcases Webern's later style, characterized by its use of serial techniques and its concise, yet deeply expressive, musical language.

This album is a essential for any fan of 20th-century music, offering a rare opportunity to experience the full range of Webern's compositional genius. Whether you're a seasoned listener of avant-garde music or a curious newcomer, this collection is sure to captivate and inspire. The performances by the MDR Sinfonieorchester and Herbert Kegel are exemplary, bringing out the subtleties and complexities of Webern's scores with clarity and precision.

Anton Webern, born in Vienna in 1883, was an Austrian composer and conductor whose innovative approach to music left an indelible mark on the 20th century. A key figure in the Second Viennese School, alongside Arnold Schoenberg and Alban Berg, Webern is renowned for his pioneering use of atonality and the twelve-tone technique. His compositions, often concise and structurally rigorous, reflect his deep study of both historical music and the avant-garde teachings of his time. Webern's works, primarily in the genres of avant-garde and chamber music, continue to inspire and challenge musicians and enthusiasts alike, offering a rich exploration of sound and form. His legacy is celebrated through his extensive catalogue of works, which remain as relevant and influential today as they were during his lifetime.