Alban Maria Johannes Berg (1885–1935) was a seminal Austrian composer associated with the Second Viennese School, an early 20th-century movement known for its groundbreaking embrace of atonality and the twelve-tone technique. Despite his relatively small oeuvre, Berg's sophisticated merging of Romantic lyricism with modernist dissonance marked him as one of the most influential composers of his time.

Trained initially by Arnold Schoenberg, Berg developed a compositional style that bridged the gap between the late Romantic era and the modern period. His talent for infusing atonal music with emotional depth is especially evident in works like his haunting "Violin Concerto," dedicated 'To the Memory of an Angel' for Manon Gropius, and his operas "Wozzeck" and "Lulu," which rank among the high points of 20th-century opera for their innovative structure and profound psychological insights. Berg’s legacy also includes notable chamber works, such as the "Lyric Suite," which exemplify his intricate and expressive approach to composition. Despite his premature death at the age of 50, Berg’s work continues to resonate with audiences and musicians for its evocative power and its intricate synthesis of formal innovation and expressive intensity.

Genres

Austro-german Modernism

Avant-garde

Classical

Early Modern Classical

German Opera

Post-romantic Era

Serialism

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Latest Release

Karajan A-Z: Berg - Borodin

Herbert von Karajan•

Alban Berg•

Hector Berlioz•

Georges Bizet•

Luigi Boccherini•

Alexander Borodin

Album - 106 Tracks - Released September 13, 2024