Verklärte nacht

Definition

Verklärte Nacht, or 'Transfigured Night,' is a symphonic poem composed by Arnold Schoenberg in 1899, which represents a significant turning point in the evolution of early 20th-century music. This piece is known for its lush orchestration and emotional depth, reflecting the influences of late Romanticism while foreshadowing the innovative techniques that would emerge in modern music. The work portrays a narrative of love, conflict, and transformation, encapsulating themes that resonate with the complexities of human relationships.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Verklärte Nacht was originally written for string sextet and is based on a poem by Richard Dehmel that explores themes of love and redemption.
2. The piece is structured in one continuous movement but features distinct sections that depict various emotional states and transformations.
3. Schoenberg's use of chromatic harmonies in Verklärte Nacht marked a departure from traditional tonality, paving the way for his later atonal works.
4. The premiere of Verklärte Nacht in 1911 was met with mixed reviews, but it has since become one of Schoenberg's most celebrated compositions.
5. The lush orchestration and rich textures of Verklärte Nacht have made it a favorite among performers and audiences, representing the last flourish of Romanticism before the advent of modernist techniques.

Review Questions

• How does Verklärte Nacht reflect the transition from late Romanticism to early modernism in music?
  • Verklärte Nacht showcases characteristics of late Romanticism through its lush harmonies and emotional expressiveness, while also introducing elements that hint at early modernism. Schoenberg's innovative use of chromaticism and his exploration of complex emotional narratives signal a shift away from traditional tonality. This blend illustrates the tension between established Romantic ideals and the emerging atonal techniques that would define 20th-century music.
• Discuss the significance of Richard Dehmel's poem in shaping the narrative and emotional landscape of Verklärte Nacht.
  • Richard Dehmel's poem serves as a crucial foundation for Verklärte Nacht, providing both thematic inspiration and emotional depth to Schoenberg's composition. The poem depicts a dramatic encounter between lovers, exploring themes of love, conflict, and transformation. Schoenberg translates these themes into musical language through rich harmonies and contrasting moods, allowing the listener to experience the evolving emotional journey encapsulated within the poem.
• Evaluate how Verklärte Nacht fits into the broader context of Schoenberg's compositional evolution and the development of atonal music.
  • Verklärte Nacht serves as a pivotal work in Schoenberg's compositional journey, bridging his late Romantic influences with his later innovations in atonality. While it still employs traditional tonal structures, its bold harmonic language anticipates Schoenberg's break from tonality in subsequent works. This composition not only exemplifies his mastery of orchestration but also marks an important step towards the radical changes in musical language that characterized the Second Viennese School, ultimately influencing generations of composers after him.

Related terms

Schoenberg: A prominent composer and music theorist who was a key figure in the development of atonality and the twelve-tone technique, influencing 20th-century music.

Second Viennese School: A group of composers in early 20th-century Vienna, including Schoenberg, Alban Berg, and Anton Webern, known for their innovations in atonal music and the development of new musical forms.

Atonality: A musical style that avoids establishing a tonal center or key, which became prominent in the works of Schoenberg and his contemporaries.