Arnold Schönberg composed his symphonic poem Pelleas und Melisande in 1902, inspired by Maurice Maeterlinck's drama, without knowing Claude Debussy was working on an opera of the same subject.
Critical Reception
The premiere of Schönberg's Pelleas und Melisande in 1905 was met with harsh criticism, with one critic suggesting he be committed to an asylum.
Critical Reception
The premiere of Schönberg's Violin Concerto in 1940 received a mixed audience reaction, with some listeners leaving and both applause and whistling after the first movement.
Composition History
Jascha Heifetz, a renowned violinist, initially declined to premiere Schönberg's Violin Concerto, Op. 36, despite Schönberg sending him parts for review.
Instruments
Kolja Blacher, the violinist on this recording, plays a 1730 'Tritton' Stradivari violin, on loan from Ms. Kimiko Powers.
Performer Biography
Louis Krasner, the violinist who premiered Schönberg's Violin Concerto, Op. 36, had previously premiered Alban Berg's Violin Concerto in 1936.
Compositional Technique
Schönberg's Violin Concerto, Op. 36, uses his 'Method of Composition with Twelve Tones Related to Only Each Other' to fill traditional forms with new content.
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