Alban Berg: Three Pieces for Orchestra
Context
Composed between 1913-15, Alban Berg’s Three Pieces for Orchestra were dedicated to his teacher at the time, Arnold Schoenberg. The premiere of the first two pieces of the suite were premiered in Berlin in June 1923, conducted by Anton Webern. The full suite was premiered, in its revised form, in April 1930. Three very different pieces in this suite convey the ever-changing stylings and influences on a young Berg.
The Music
Präludium (Prelude)
The shortest of the three pieces in the suite, the opening prelude focuses on Berg’s impressionistic side and his ability to make such colourful sounds within the ensemble. The opening starts very quietly, with murmuring waving across the orchestra. The music is evocative, with Berg relying on timbres and tones to create the desired effects. The brass are utilised throughout, with the heavy brass creating huge rumbling interjections, and the trumpets and horns playing more into the woodwind themes, with mutes and hand stops creating unusual timbres.
As the music grows louder in dynamic, more voices can be heard within the orchestra. The organised chaos of Berg’s style explodes into a colourful climax where the trumpets lead the orchestra into the most exciting section of the piece. As the dynamic suddenly drops, the floating harp and upper strings take the reins and lead the brass down from their horses into a more serene section. The huge difference between the sections adds to the excitement of this piece, as Berg really does play with the listener’s feelings throughout. The movement ends quietly, with only a timpani roll left.
Ⓒ Alex Burns
Happy Reading!
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