Second Viennese School
Group of composers in early 20th-century Vienna led by Arnold Schoenberg
Initially late-Romantic expanded tonality, later chromatic expressionism and atonality, and eventually Schoenberg's twelve-tone technique
Principal members included Alban Berg and Anton Webern, as well as Ernst Krenek, Egon Wellesz, and others
Members felt they gained new direction and discipline from Schoenberg's teaching
The "Second Viennese School" refers to a group of composers in early 20th-century Vienna who significantly transformed Western classical music through innovative approaches to tonality and composition. Here’s a detailed overview:
This term describes a collective of composers, primarily Arnold Schoenberg, Alban Berg, and Anton Webern, who were active in Vienna during the early 1900s. They are known for their radical departure from traditional tonal music and their exploration of atonality and serialism.
Atonality: The music of the Second Viennese School initially embraced atonality, moving away from the established major and minor tonal systems. This allowed for greater freedom in musical expression, as composers no longer felt constrained by traditional harmonic structures.
Their compositions often featured extensive chromaticism, using all twelve pitches of the chromatic scale without establishing a firm tonal centre. This approach created a sense of ambiguity and complexity in their music.
Schoenberg developed the twelve-tone technique, a method of composition that treats all twelve pitches as equal, avoiding the hierarchical structure of traditional tonality. This system became foundational for many composers associated with the Second Viennese School.
Each composer within the school maintained a distinct musical voice. While Schoenberg focused on structural and theoretical aspects, Berg incorporated lyrical and emotional elements, and Webern explored brevity and clarity in his works.
The innovations of the Second Viennese School had a profound impact on the course of 20th-century music, influencing various movements, including serialism and avant-garde music. Their ideas opened new avenues for composers seeking to express complex emotions and ideas.
The leading figure of the Second Viennese School, Schoenberg is known for his development of atonality and the twelve-tone system, as well as his contributions to expressionist music.
A student of Schoenberg, Berg's works often blend traditional forms with modern techniques, characterised by emotional depth and lyrical melodies.
Also a student of Schoenberg, Webern is noted for his concise and innovative compositions, often employing pointillism and a focus on texture and timbre.
The Second Viennese School represents a pivotal moment in the evolution of Western classical music, marked by a radical rethinking of tonality and composition.
The contributions of Schoenberg, Berg, and Webern laid the groundwork for many contemporary musical practices, challenging traditional notions of harmony and form and expanding the expressive possibilities of music.