This Day in Music: 13 July 1951 – Death of Arnold Schoenberg

Known for his twelve-tone method, Arnold Schoenberg was an iconoclast in the classical music world of the early 20^th century. His atonal works clashed against the traditional diatonic systems of harmony by taking chromaticism to an extreme extent, provoking both widespread love and dissent. His influence spread with his dedicated disciples Anton Webern and Alban Berg, who continued the atonal tradition. It has been criticized of Schoenberg that his music is more often defended than listened to. Aside from music, Schoenberg is also notable for his gifted painting ability, his fear of the number 13 (ironically born on September 13^th and died July 13^th), and fleeing the increasingly antisemitic Europe of his day.

Schoenberg – Verklärte Nacht, Op.4 – Boulez