My Window To The World…

Yesterday’s Top Tune reminded me of one of the most beautiful pieces ever written for string sextet:

Arnold Schönberg “Verklärte Nacht, Op. 4″ (Transfigured Night; for 2 violins, 2 violas & 2 celli)

I recommend the SONY Classical release: Ensemble Intercontemporain, conducted by Pierre Boulez. (Amazon.com link.) (Excerpts are available for pre-listening).

“Verklärte Nacht” was later adapted for orchestra. For completists and Arnold Schönberg enthusiasts definitely a must-have. Others do not need to listen to it, since it does not come anywhere near the beauty of the original string sextet version.

© Patrice Schneider. No reproduction without prior written consent.

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