zoom_in Click to enlarge

Webern - Symphony, Op. 21

▲ ▼

description Webern - Symphony, Op. 21 Overview

Anton Webern’s Symphony Op. 21 is a significant modernist composition from 1928. The work employs twelve-tone serialism creating a distinctive pointillistic orchestral texture characterized by sparse instrumentation and fragmented melodic development. It's notable for its extreme brevity, lasting only around fifteen minutes.

This symphony is primarily studied and appreciated by musicologists, composers interested in twentieth-century classical music, and audiences seeking challenging and intellectually stimulating orchestral experiences.

help Webern - Symphony, Op. 21 FAQ

How long is Webern's Symphony Op. 21?

Webern's Symphony, Op. 21 is extremely concise, lasting roughly 10 minutes in performance despite containing two movements. This brevity is characteristic of Webern's mature twelve-tone compositions.

How many movements does Webern's Symphony Op. 21 have?

The symphony has two movements: a first movement with sonata-like proportions and a second movement comprising a theme and six variations. Both movements use strict twelve-tone serialism.

What instruments does Webern's Symphony Op. 21 call for?

The symphony is scored for a small chamber orchestra including clarinet, bass clarinet, two horns, harp, and strings with single players per part. This sparse instrumentation contributes to the work's signature pointillist texture.

Is Webern's Symphony Op. 21 a traditional symphony?

Despite its title, it is a compact chamber work rather than a large-scale symphony in the tradition of Beethoven or Mahler. Webern calls it a 'symphony' in reference to its formal structure and the interplay of its two movements, not its duration or forces.

swap_horiz

Looking for Webern - Symphony, Op. 21 alternatives? Compare top competitors ranked & scored

arrow_forward