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Alban Berg / VI. Modernism

Three Pieces for Orchestra, Op. 6

1914–⁠15; revised 1929 · Orchestra

4 min

Recording

I. PräludiumColumbia Symphony Orchestra; Robert Craft
4:01
The Präludium, first of Berg’s Three Pieces for Orchestra, Op. 6, is a four-minute movement that begins with percussion, builds to a climax for full orchestra and ends on a single tam-tam stroke. Robert Craft conducts the Columbia Symphony Orchestra.
Listening notes
1. Opening of the Präludium
  The Prelude begins with tam-tams, drums and cymbals. Timpani add definite pitches, and a flute and two horns, one muted, enter above them. The strings add pizzicato notes and muted chords.
2. Bars 16–⁠36, Ein wenig bewegter
  At bar 16 the score is marked Ein wenig bewegter (a little more movement). Woodwind phrases overlap with divided strings, and the same small shapes keep changing their notes and rhythms. The orchestral parts become denser up to the central climax at bar 36.
3. Close of the Präludium
  Earlier phrases return in quieter scoring. Berg gradually removes the pitched instruments and reverses the opening accumulation until only percussion is left. A single tam-tam stroke closes the movement.
Open in the Concert Hall