Schoenberg: the Four String Quartets

Immerse yourself in the profound and innovative world of Arnold Schoenberg with his complete collection of string quartets, released on September 1, 2025, under the Etcetera label. This album, "Schoenberg: The Four String Quartets," offers a captivating journey through the evolution of Schoenberg's compositional style, spanning a duration of 2 hours and 16 minutes.

The album features four quartets, each a testament to Schoenberg's genius and his pioneering role in the development of modern classical music. The String Quartet No. 1, Op. 7, begins with a hauntingly beautiful D Minor movement, setting the stage for the intricate and expressive works that follow. The String Quartet No. 2, Op. 10, stands out with its inclusion of a soprano voice, adding a unique dimension to the traditional string quartet format.

Schoenberg's String Quartet No. 3, Op. 30, showcases his mastery of form and structure, with each movement building upon the last to create a cohesive and compelling whole. The final quartet, String Quartet No. 4, Op. 37, is a powerful and energetic exploration of the possibilities of the string quartet genre.

This album is a must-listen for any fan of classical music, offering a rare opportunity to experience the full range of Schoenberg's string quartet compositions in one comprehensive collection. Whether you are a seasoned aficionado or a newcomer to Schoenberg's work, this album is sure to leave a lasting impression.

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.

Schoenberg: the Four String Quartets

Album Details

Tracks

About Arnold Schoenberg

Best vinyl LP prices!