INCREDIBLE MUSIC with Pushkar Carlotto

September 2, 2020

The BEAUTY of ATONAL MUSIC - Schoenberg's Op 19, No 1 [PODCAST # 1]

<p>1:37 Introducing Schoenberg 9:10 "Analysis" Piano Piece Op.19, No.1 25:34 Performance of the piece. This is Podcast # 1, (my very first! which can also be seen with score on my YouTube channel). &nbsp;&nbsp;How to listen to this style of music, apparently incomprehensible, but that can be so full of charm, with intricate passages, so varied in musical gestures, rhythms, and colours? &nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>I believe one must rediscover the basis of all music, which I believe are 2, principles that are at the &nbsp;foundations of all music:&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;1. each single pitch treated as an entity of its own and its relation to other ones (which is what we call intervals, either played one after another or simultaneously), &nbsp;and &nbsp;</p> <p>2. the flow and gestures created by how each pitch interacts with the other, by how they are grouped together, their lengths and their articulations (which gives the expression, the musical gesture, the pulse and the rhythm). &nbsp;</p> <p>This style of music that Arnold Schoenberg (1874 - 1951) created in 1909, called Atonal or, as he preferred, Pantonal music (that later, in the following decade, he developed into what is called "12 tone serialism") had a great influence on music of the 20th Century and Avant-garde Music, (even 'Minimalism' was a reaction to this music). &nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;I believe this style carries a hidden beauty, if one knows how to tap into it. &nbsp;</p> <p>Often this type of music is not appreciated, felt by many to be too complex, or as sounding harsh and ugly. But maybe also to be blamed is the interpretation of his music, which often in aggressive and lacks sensitivity and warmth, making . Myself, having studied for 3 years with Richard Hoffmann, who was his pupil and amanuensis, and having studied with him in Austria for 6 months as well, (with the privilege of doing research in Schoenberg's own house in Moedling, and playing regularly on his private piano), Hoffmann used to tell us how Schoenberg often complained about the way in which his music was interpreted, that it was cold and harshly played, lacked warmth and romantic touch. &nbsp;&nbsp;In my interpretation of these pieces, I try my best to do him justice, and hope to show you the beauty and colours in his tones, melodic lines, rhythms, and harmonies.&nbsp;</p> <p>I do hope that I have been able to somewhat bring this out, and that at the end of this presentation, you will be able to hear and appreciate this colourful music.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;Thank you.</p>