Arnold Schönberg

The Profile

Arnold Schönberg (1874–1951) was an Austrian-born, later American composer, theorist, and teacher who developed the twelve‑tone method and led the Second Viennese School with Alban Berg and Anton Webern. He emigrated to the United States in 1933 and became a U.S. citizen in 1941.

Founder of the Second Viennese School; developed twelve-tone technique (dodecaphony); major works include Verklärte Nacht, Pierrot Lunaire, Gurre-Lieder, and Moses und Aron; key theoretical texts include Harmonielehre (Treatise on Harmony) and Structural Functions of Harmony; associated with Sprechgesang; Austrian-born, became an American citizen in 1941.

Two enthusiastic takes on Schönberg: a concert review pairing Ode to Napoleon with the original sextet Verklärte Nacht, and a deep dive into his Treatise on Harmony. The reviews touch on Sprechgesang, Wagnerian traces, chamber reductions, and the Second Viennese School. Strong praise across the board.