Schoenberg: Why He Matters

American music historian Harvey Sachs received rave reviews for his book Schoenberg: Why He Matters, published last year. The book is more than just a biography, as Sachs makes a compelling case for the enduring significance of Schoenberg’s musical legacy, which goes beyond his twelve-tone system. ‘An immensely valuable source for anyone desiring an accessible overview of this endlessly controversial and chronically misunderstood giant of 20th-century music,’ wrote composer John Adams.

Sachs writes with passion and clarity about Schoenberg’s radical ideas. He also portrays him as a fervent admirer of Brahms. An enthusiastic performer of Johann Strauss’s waltzes who was ultimately drawn, albeit unwillingly, to the musical path pioneered by Wagner with his increasingly complex harmonies. ‘Someone had to do it,’ he said. And yet: the last word Schoenberg spoke on his deathbed was ‘harmony’.

See also: https://www.harveysachs.com/

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Programma booklet (Dutch)