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Arnold Schonberg Vs Symphony Op. 21 Analysis

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Ouiz 3
Tremayne Perryman
Pierrot Lunaire Op. 21, No. 8 “Nacht” by Arnold Schoenberg vs Symphony Op.21 by Anton Webern
Similarities
• A first thing to point out is the use of expressionism, with these atonal chromatic note structure, no sense of a tonal center, but somehow you still hear the emotion in each piece.
• One major similarity is the atonality, both fully utilizing different versions of it, Schoenberg uses pitch class set theory or could be read as using an octatonic scale (at least in my opinion), and Weber use a 12 note tone row to create an organic symphony.
• Both do use an orchestra, obviously in Nacht the orchestra is very small in order to not drown out the singer. Each uses their respective orchestra to use further enforce the method of each composer
• Both use a canon structure at the beginning of the …show more content…

• I would say that Webern uses minimalism, a regular symphony takes so long, and repeats previous material sometimes to nausea (just my opinion), but Webern gives you all that you need and lets you fill in the gaps mentally. Schoenberg uses a lot of layering, multiple different melodies and rhythms going on at the same time, this happens after the initial cannon where the different instrumental parts repeat the same motive, most of the piece revolves around that (0,1,4) set class.
• A simple contrast is Schoenberg uses mostly stepwise motion or conjunct with leaps sprinkled around the piece mostly to service his use of pitch classes and Webern uses medium to large leaps, a melody of any sort is virtually non-existent, well I guess that depends if you factor in octave equivalence and don’t recognize the leaps, I’m choosing not to factor that in and taking the piece at face-value on the note

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