Schönberg's musical heritage: anniversary week for the 150th birthday

Schönberg's musical heritage: anniversary week for the 150th birthday

The cultural meaning of Arnold Schönberg's 150th birthday

The 150th birthday of Arnold Schönberg, who is celebrated on September 13, 2024, has already triggered a wave of cultural activities that find great response both in Vienna and International. This occasion not only shows the timeless relevance of Schönberg's work, but also illustrates the unbroken vitality of the contemporary music scene.

Schönberg is one of the most influential composers of the 20th century, whose innovations in music theory and practice have sustainably shaped modern understanding of music. The comprehensive celebrations around his birthday, including the so-called "Schönberg Week" from September 11th to 13th, symbolically stand for the ongoing influence of his work. During this time a variety of events will take place in Vienna that deal with his music and its effect on today.

A central event of the week is the symposium "Arnold Schönberg, Karl Kraus and her Viennese districts", which is organized by the Arnold Schönberg Center. In addition, a special brand is presented in honor of the composer on September 11, followed by a Viennese lecture with Ingo Metzmacher, who deals with Schönberg's departure into modernity.

• Birthday concert: On September 13th, the "Gurre songs" are performed in the Musikverein Vienna, sums up by one of the leading conductors of our time, Petr Popelka.
• exhibitions: The Arnold Schönberg Center presents the exhibition "Hear with Schönberg Love", which can be seen until February 14th and explores the emotional dimensions of his music.
• international perspectives: Schönberg's works are listed in numerous cities worldwide, including Vienna, Milan, Los Angeles and many more, which underlines its global influence.

But not only the performances and symposia testify to Schönberg's continuing importance. New publications, such as the original text edition of his works and professionally well-founded manuals, also contribute to deepening knowledge about his music. Therese Muxeneder, the leader at the Arnold Schönberg Center, also announced a digital project that researches a comprehensive correspondence of Schönberg and thus gains new knowledge for musicology.

The daughter of the jubilee, Nuria Schoenberg Nono, is pleased with the worldwide interest in her father's work. Her message from Venice emphasizes how Schönberg's music transports emotions that speak for themselves regardless of explanations.

Due to this large number of events and publications, Schönberg's 150th anniversary proves not only as a celebration of his life and work, but also as a contemporary wake -up call to deal with the questions and innovations that raises his music. The cultural inheritance is thus given a due space in order to survive and continue to inspire today.

For more information about the numerous celebrations and activities around Arnold Schönberg, the website schoenberg150.at can be visited, at which a comprehensive overview of all Schönberg events taking place worldwide is provided. Ulrike Anton, the director of Arnold Schönberg Center, looks optimistic about the coming months and the diverse autumn program, which ranges from new musical interpretations to innovative projects.