Exploring the enduring controversy surrounding Arnold Schoenberg’s music
In the early 20th century, Arnold Schoenberg, an innovative composer from Vienna, introduced a new musical language that shattered the conventions of tonality. His groundbreaking compositions, characterized by dissonance and ambiguity, sparked outrage and controversy among audiences and critics alike. Despite the initial resistance, Schoenberg’s contributions to music are undeniable, and his influence can still be felt today. In his book, “Schoenberg: Why He Matters,” author Harvey Sachs delves into the life and works of this enigmatic composer, shedding light on his significance and the ongoing resistance to his music.
The Scandal of Schoenberg’s Early Works
Schoenberg’s early compositions, such as his songs for voice and piano, were met with disdain and ridicule at their premiere in Vienna. The audience’s negative reaction, marked by shouts, laughter, and jeers, set the stage for the ongoing controversy surrounding Schoenberg’s music. The premiere of his Second String Quartet in 1908 further intensified the scandal, with reviewers dismissing the piece as a “pathological case” and a “worthless assault” on the ears. Sachs recounts these incidents in his book, highlighting the initial challenges Schoenberg faced in gaining acceptance for his groundbreaking musical language.
Understanding Schoenberg’s Significance
In “Schoenberg: Why He Matters,” Sachs aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of Schoenberg’s achievements and the lingering resistance to his music. The author, not a Schoenberg expert himself, presents a balanced perspective that appeals to both Schoenberg enthusiasts and skeptics. Sachs acknowledges the complexity and challenging nature of Schoenberg’s compositions, but also emphasizes their enduring fascination for many within the music profession. He explores the reasons behind the continued apathy and antipathy that most listeners have towards Schoenberg’s music, shedding light on the enduring stigma surrounding his work.
Schoenberg’s Life and Legacy
Sachs delves into Schoenberg’s life, career, and struggles, offering insights into the experiences that shaped his musical vision. Born in Vienna in 1874 to a lower-middle-class Jewish family, Schoenberg faced early hardships but persevered to become one of the most significant composers and teachers of the 20th century. Sachs highlights Schoenberg’s conversion from Lutheranism to Judaism, his outspoken advocacy for Jewish solidarity, and his eventual emigration to America. Through his engaging storytelling, Sachs paints a vivid picture of Schoenberg as a visionary artist who faced adversity and remained steadfast in his pursuit of musical innovation.
The Crisis of Tonality and Schoenberg’s Response
Schoenberg’s groundbreaking compositions were a direct response to what he perceived as a crisis in tonality. The traditional harmonic language of major and minor keys had become increasingly ambiguous and dissonant in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Schoenberg embraced this ambiguity and pushed it to its limits, eventually developing a system based on invented “tone rows.” This system, known as 12-tone composition, allowed for the exploration of all 12 notes without a central key. Sachs acknowledges the cerebral nature of this technique but emphasizes Schoenberg’s desire for audiences to experience the music without getting caught up in the methodology.
The Impact and Legacy of Schoenberg
Sachs challenges the notion that Schoenberg’s 12-tone technique and atonality were dead ends in the development of classical music. While few composers today strictly adhere to Schoenberg’s specific approach, elements of atonality and Schoenberg’s musical language can be found in contemporary compositions. Sachs points to the influence of Schoenberg on film scores and the continued presence of his works in contemporary music concerts. He argues that Schoenberg’s compositions were not dead ends but rather door openers, paving the way for new possibilities and experimentation in classical music.
Conclusion:
The controversy surrounding Arnold Schoenberg’s music persists, with many listeners still finding his compositions challenging and inaccessible. However, in his book “Schoenberg: Why He Matters,” Harvey Sachs provides a nuanced understanding of Schoenberg’s significance and the enduring impact of his work. While acknowledging the difficulties and complexities of Schoenberg’s music, Sachs challenges the notion that his contributions were dead ends, highlighting the ongoing presence of Schoenberg’s influence in contemporary compositions. Despite the lingering resistance, Schoenberg’s music continues to captivate and intrigue audiences, solidifying his place as a consequential composer in the history of classical music.
Leave a Reply