Webern, A.: Symphony / 6 Pieces, Op. 6 / Concerto

Dive into the intricate world of Anton Webern with this captivating collection of his seminal works. Released on January 2, 2005, by Naxos, this album offers a comprehensive journey through Webern's avant-garde and chamber music compositions. Spanning a duration of 1 hour and 19 minutes, the album features a diverse range of pieces, including symphonies, canons, songs, trios, quartets, variations, and dances, all showcasing Webern's unique and innovative approach to music.

The album opens with Webern's Symphony, Op. 21, a work that exemplifies his mastery of form and structure. It continues with the delicate and expressive 5 Canons on Latin Texts, Op. 16, followed by the charming 3 Traditional Rhymes, Op. 17. Webern's vocal works are also well-represented, with the 3 Songs, Op. 18, featuring settings of texts from Des Knaben Wunderhorn and other sources.

Instrumental works include the String Trio, Op. 20, and the Quartet, Op. 22, both demonstrating Webern's skill in writing for small ensembles. The Variations for Piano, Op. 27, showcase his ability to develop a single theme through a series of transformations. The album also includes Webern's arrangements of Schubert's 6 German Dances, D. 820, for orchestra, providing a fascinating contrast to his original compositions.

Throughout the album, Webern's music is characterized by its clarity, precision, and economy of means. His use of atonality and serialism is balanced by a deep sensitivity to the expressive potential of each note and phrase. This album is an essential introduction to Webern's music, offering a rich and rewarding listening experience for both new and seasoned listeners alike.