(Re)View - Arnold Schoenberg: Suite in G for String Orchestra
1st May 2006
Schoenberg
© Arnold Schoenberg Institute
J.S. Bach inspired Schoenberg throughout his life and his era was brilliantly reflected in this work im Alten Stil or in the Olden Style. The Suite in G for String Orchestra is marked by a hectic counterpoint, richly chromaticized harmony based on traditional foundations, and constructed in five movements in the Baroque manner. The complexity of the work surprised no one, but its unabashed tonality did. Critics at the time did a double-take upon hearing this clearly tonal creation from the father of atonalism and puzzled over its meaning. However, Schoenberg anticipated their speculation in the forward to the autograph of the score, which was never quoted in any publications about the piece at the time, and at once acknowledges his temporary departure to tonality and dispels any thought it might have reflected a change of heart: “This piece indicates no renunciation of my previous creations.”
This work belongs in the string orchestra canon as more than a novelty from this giant – it is a piece of the American legacy, (along with his Concerto for Violin, Op. 36 and the Chamber Symphony No. 2, Op. 38) which Schoenberg created in his new life, in between tennis games with his neighbors the Gershwins...
Suite in G for String Orchestra (1934)
Duration: 30'
1. Ouverture [Overture]
2. Adagio [Slow]
3. Menuet [Minuet]
4. Gavotte [Gavotte]
5. Gigue [Gigue]
