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Arnold Schoenberg Quotes

Powerful Arnold Schoenberg for Daily Growth

About Arnold Schoenberg

Arnold Schoenberg (September 13, 1874 – July 13, 1951) was an Austrian-born Jewish composer, music theorist, teacher, and painter whose work revolutionized Western classical music in the early 20th century. He is best known for developing the twelve-tone technique, a compositional method that eschews traditional tonality in favor of a rigorous systematization of all twelve notes of the chromatic scale. Born in Sankt Pölten, Austria, Schoenberg displayed prodigious talent on the piano as a child and received his first formal music lessons at age 12 from his father, a violinist. He later studied at the Vienna Conservatory, where he was influenced by Anton Bruckner's late Romantic style and Gustav Mahler's symphonic ambitions. In 1904, Schoenberg moved to Berlin, where he met the painter Wassily Kandinsky and the composer and art theorist Ferruccio Busoni, both of whom inspired his interest in modern art and abstract thought. Schoenberg's major works include the orchestral tone poems "Verklärte Nacht" (1899) and "Pelleas und Melisande" (1903), as well as the piano suite "Opus 23" (1911) and his monumental song cycle "Gurre-Lieder" (1910-1914). However, it was Schoenberg's radical departure from tonality in the late 1910s that would make him one of the most influential composers of the century. This shift is exemplified by his string quartets (Op. 7 and Op. 10) and his opera "Erwartung" (1909), all of which are characterized by their dissonant harmonies, fragmented forms, and emotional intensity. In 1923, Schoenberg moved to the United States following the Nazi rise to power in Germany. There he continued to compose, teach, and develop his twelve-tone method, which he first articulated in "Harmonielehre" (1911). His students in California included John Cage, Milton Babbitt, and Leon Kirchner, who went on to become influential composers in their own right. Schoenberg's final works include the operas "Moses und Aron" (1930-1950) and "A Survivor from Warsaw" (1947), as well as his last string quartet, "String Quartet No. 8," which he completed on his deathbed in 1951. Today, Arnold Schoenberg is remembered not only for his groundbreaking compositions but also for his pioneering role in the development of modern music and his enduring influence on contemporary musical thought.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"The composer of today does not merely compose - he fabricates."

This quote by Arnold Schoenberg suggests that contemporary composers do more than just create music, they manufacture it. In other words, they don't simply draw upon traditional forms or melodies; instead, they craft something entirely new from scratch using various musical elements. This perspective underscores the innovative and revolutionary nature of modern composition, which often challenges conventional norms and pushes the boundaries of what music can be.

"To understand a work of art, we have to understand not only its language but also the mental attitude from which it emerged."

This quote by Arnold Schoenberg emphasizes that interpreting a work of art requires more than just a superficial understanding of its form or aesthetic qualities; one must delve deeper to comprehend the thought process, emotions, and context behind its creation – essentially, the mindset of the artist. This mental attitude, embedded within the artwork, plays an integral role in unlocking its true meaning and significance.

"Every new piece I write is a kind of suicide for me because I kill off all the old methods in myself."

Arnold Schoenberg's quote signifies an artist's continuous quest for innovation and growth, even at the cost of abandoning familiar techniques or creative approaches. In other words, he sacrifices his previous methods to birth something new, demonstrating a deep commitment to artistic evolution and pushing the boundaries of musical composition.

"The more constraints one imposes, the more one frees oneself of the choir of irresponsible fears that stand between a person and artistic expression."

This quote by Arnold Schoenberg suggests that limiting oneself to certain rules or constraints in creativity can paradoxically lead to greater freedom and fearlessness in artistic expression. By imposing boundaries, an artist narrows the scope of possible choices, which can help them focus and avoid being overwhelmed by the infinite possibilities available, thus eliminating the "choir of irresponsible fears" that may otherwise hinder their creative process. Essentially, Schoenberg is saying that constraints can provide structure and direction, enabling artists to express themselves more boldly and authentically.

"Mere talent serves only to veil the God-given gift; it is the personality that brings this gift to full fruition."

This quote emphasizes that natural talent alone, while necessary, is not sufficient for true artistic mastery. The "personality" refers to an individual's unique traits, experiences, and perspectives that shape their work, allowing them to fully express and develop the gifts they have been given. In other words, it is not just about what you can do (talent), but who you are as an artist (personality) that brings out the full potential of your God-given ability.

I owe very, very much to Mozart; and if one studies, for instance, the way in which I write for string quartet, then one cannot deny that I have learned this directly from Mozart. And I am proud of it!

- Arnold Schoenberg

String, Very, Instance, Directly

I never was very capable of expressing my feelings or emotions in words. I don't know whether this is the cause why I did it in music and also why I did it in painting. Or vice versa: That I had this way as an outlet. I could renounce expressing something in words.

- Arnold Schoenberg

Very, Expressing, Cause, Vice Versa

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