Composer

:

Arnold Schoenberg

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Sextet

Compose Date

:

1899

Average_duration

:

29:13

Arnold Schoenberg's 'Verklärte Nacht' (Transfigured Night) is a string sextet composed in 1899. It premiered on March 18, 1902, in Vienna, Austria. The piece is based on a poem by Richard Dehmel, which tells the story of a woman confessing to her lover that she is carrying another man's child. The lover forgives her, and they walk through the night, transfigured by their love. The piece is divided into five movements, each corresponding to a section of the poem. The first movement sets the scene with a slow, mournful introduction, followed by a faster section that represents the woman's confession. The second movement is a scherzo, with a lively, dance-like rhythm that suggests the couple's joy at being together. The third movement is slower and more introspective, as the lovers contemplate their situation. The fourth movement is the emotional climax of the piece, with a passionate, soaring melody that represents the lovers' forgiveness and transfiguration. The final movement is a return to the mournful mood of the opening, as the couple walks away into the night. Schoenberg's use of chromaticism and dissonance in 'Verklärte Nacht' was groundbreaking at the time, and it marked a significant departure from the tonal harmony of the Romantic era. The piece is notable for its use of polyphony, with each instrument contributing to the overall texture of the music. The sextet format allows for a rich, full sound, with the two violins, two violas, and two cellos weaving together in intricate patterns. Overall, 'Verklärte Nacht' is a deeply emotional and expressive work that captures the intensity of human relationships. It is a landmark piece in the development of modernist music, and it remains a popular and influential work to this day.

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