Pierrot Lunaire

Definition

Pierrot Lunaire is a melodrama for speaker and chamber ensemble, composed by Arnold Schoenberg in 1912, that employs a unique combination of atonal music and Sprechstimme, a vocal technique that blends speaking and singing. This groundbreaking work represents a significant shift in the evolution of modern music, highlighting the departure from traditional tonality and showcasing the innovative practices of the Second Viennese School.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Pierrot Lunaire is divided into 21 short movements, each exploring different emotional landscapes and themes related to the character of Pierrot.
2. The work was written for a small ensemble consisting of flute, clarinet, violin, cello, piano, and percussion, emphasizing the coloristic possibilities of chamber music.
3. Schoenberg's use of Sprechstimme allows for a dramatic interpretation of the text, enhancing the expression of the poems by Albert Giraud that serve as the libretto.
4. Pierrot Lunaire marked a turning point in Schoenberg's career, moving him away from late-Romantic tonalities toward more radical compositional techniques.
5. The piece has been influential in both classical and contemporary music circles, inspiring later avant-garde composers to experiment with new forms and styles.

Review Questions

• How does Pierrot Lunaire exemplify the characteristics of atonality and Sprechstimme, and what impact did these elements have on its overall expression?
  • Pierrot Lunaire exemplifies atonality by completely avoiding a central tonal structure, allowing Schoenberg to explore emotional depth without traditional harmonic constraints. The use of Sprechstimme enhances this expression by blending speech and song, giving performers freedom to interpret the text dramatically. Together, these elements create a haunting atmosphere that embodies the complexities of Pierrot's character, reflecting themes of despair and alienation.
• Discuss how Pierrot Lunaire fits into the larger context of the Second Viennese School's goals and innovations in early 20th-century music.
  • Pierrot Lunaire fits into the larger context of the Second Viennese School by embodying their commitment to breaking away from conventional tonality and exploring new compositional techniques. Schoenberg's integration of atonality and Sprechstimme represents a radical innovation that challenges traditional musical forms. The work reflects the School's aim to redefine musical language and express complex human emotions through modern means, paving the way for future avant-garde movements.
• Evaluate the significance of Pierrot Lunaire in shaping modern music, considering its influence on both contemporaneous composers and future generations.
  • Pierrot Lunaire is significant in shaping modern music as it not only marked a pivotal moment in Schoenberg's evolution as a composer but also laid groundwork for future explorations in atonality and non-traditional vocal techniques. Its blend of drama and innovative musical language inspired contemporaneous composers like Alban Berg and Anton Webern to further develop these ideas. Additionally, Pierrot Lunaire's avant-garde approach continues to resonate with modern composers across genres who seek to challenge conventions and push artistic boundaries.

Related terms

Atonality: A musical style that avoids establishing a central key or tonal center, which became prominent in the early 20th century as composers sought new expressive means.

Sprechstimme: A vocal technique developed by Schoenberg where the performer speaks the text at approximate pitches, creating an eerie and unique sound.

Second Viennese School:

A group of composers in early 20th century Vienna, including Arnold Schoenberg, Alban Berg, and Anton Webern, known for their innovative approaches to music and atonality.