NAXOS Schoenberg Concerto for String Quartet Robert Craft Collection CD

UPC: 747313252022
Product Type: Audio CD
Brand Name: NAXOS
MPN: 8.557520
Genre: Classical
Style: Modernism, Expressionism, Baroque-Transcriptions, Lieder
Composer: Arnold Schoenberg (1874–1951)
Conductor: Robert Craft
Performers: Fred Sherry String Quartet, Twentieth Century Classics Ensemble, Jennifer Lane (Mezzo-Soprano), Christopher Oldfather (Piano)
Release Year: 2004
 
Product Features
Format: 1 CD in Jewel Case
Total Playing Time: 79:59
Recording Mode: DDD
Series: Robert Craft Collection (Volume 2)
Booklet: Included with notes by Robert Craft
Cover Art: Destination by Ulrich Osterloh
 
Overview
This second volume of the Naxos Robert Craft Schoenberg Collection presents a fascinating juxtaposition of Schoenberg’s varied musical identities. The centerpiece is the Concerto for String Quartet and Orchestra, a "free transcription" after Handel that is so thoroughly reimagined it is considered an original Schoenberg composition. It stands as one of his most high-spirited and tuneful works. The album also features the profound expressionism of The Book of the Hanging Gardens, a cycle for mezzo-soprano and piano that Schoenberg considered a personal breakthrough in style. Rounded out by the iconic Lied der Waldtaube from Gurre-Lieder and the pioneering Suite for Piano, this collection offers a comprehensive look at a 20th-century master.

 
Interesting Facts
Handel Reimagined: The Concerto for String Quartet and Orchestra is based on Handel’s Concerto Grosso, Op. 6, No. 7. Schoenberg expanded the harmony and orchestration to such an extent that it became a virtuosic showcase for the string quartet, often compared in difficulty to Beethoven’s Great Fugue.
A New Ideal: Regarding The Book of the Hanging Gardens, Schoenberg famously wrote that he had finally succeeded in "approaching an ideal of expression and form" that had been in his mind for years.
Serial Pioneer: The Suite for Piano, Op. 25 (represented here by three movements) is historic for being one of the very first works composed entirely using Schoenberg's twelve-tone (serial) technique.
Rare Bonus: The disc includes a rare 6-minute recording titled "A Conversation with Arnold Schoenberg," providing listeners with a direct connection to the composer’s own voice and thoughts.
Track Listing
Concerto for String Quartet and Orchestra in B flat (after Handel)

Largo-Allegro, Largo, Allegretto grazioso, Hornpipe
Suite for Piano, Op. 25 (Excerpts)

Präludium, Gavotte-Musette-Gavotte, Intermezzo, Menuett; Trio, Gigue
Lied der Waldtaube (Song of the Wood-Dove) from Gurre-Lieder
The Book of the Hanging Gardens, Op. 15
A Conversation with Arnold Schoenberg
 
Publishers
Label: Naxos Rights International Ltd.
Copyright: ℗ & © 2004 Naxos Rights International Ltd.
Manufacturing: Made in the EU.
Notes: Booklet notes in English and German; texts and translations for vocal works available at the Naxos website.
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