Arnold Schoenberg was born in Vienna September 13th, 1874. He was
self-taught until his 20th year. His first instruction was received from
his brother-in-law, Alexander von Zemlinsky. In 1901 he went to Berlin,
and became the Kapellmeister of the "Uberbrettl," the cabaret managed by
Birnbaum, Wedekind and von Wolzogen. Due to the influence of Richard
Strauss, he secured a position as instructor in Stern's Conservatory. In
1903 he returned to Vienna. He aroused the interest of Gustav Mahler,
who secured performances for several of his works. The Rosé Quartet
performed the sextet "Verklärte Nacht" and the Quartet, Opus 7. The
"Kammersymphonie" and the choral work "Gurrelieder" were also played. In
1910 Schoenberg was appointed teacher of composition in the Imperial
Academy. In 1911 he returned to Berlin, remaining there till 1916 (?).
He is said at present to be in Vienna.
Among his compositions are:
Opera 1, 2 and 3, Songs--"Gurrelieder"; Opus 4, sextet "Verklärte
Nacht"; Opus 5, "Pelleas und Melisanda"; Opus 7, 1st String-quartet;
Opus 8, Songs with orchestral accompaniment; Opus 9, "Kammersymphonie";
Opus 10, 2nd String-quartet, with setting of "Entrückung," by Stefan
George; Opus 11, three pieces for Piano; Opus 13, _a capella_ choruses;
Opus 15, Songs; Opus 16, five Pieces for Orchestra; Opera 17 and 19,
Piano pieces; Opus 21, "Die Lieder des Pierrot Lunaire."
A new Kammersymphonie and a monodrama "Erwartung" remain unpublished.