Five Orchestral Pieces

‘Five Orchestral Pieces’ Opus 16, written in 1909, is one of Schönberg’s most famous compositions, and a breakthrough in his work. With this piece Schönberg broke away from tradition, and made the revolutionary step from tonal to atonal music. 'No architecture, no build up, just an interrupted flow of colours, rhythm and moods’, according to the composer. The film features a performance by the Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by the famous German conductor Michael Gielen, and an interview with Gielen. In addition, Schönberg experts like Carl Schorske and pianist Charles Rosen (who performs Opus 11 in the film) give us their opinion on the importance of the composition.