Skip to main content
Marxist Notes on Music: January 6, 2021
Arnold Schoenberg’s music is much like whisky, the first try is rarely fun, however the richness is eventually enjoyed when you stick with it
(L to R) Arnold Schoenberg, 1927, photographed by Man Ray and drawn by Egon Schiele, 1917

FEW figures throughout history have managed to have the musical impact of Arnold Schoenberg. Unlike older giants, like Beethoven, Schoenberg, despite having a huge admiration, still suffers the ire of conservative ears and being the “sole” reason for disliking modern music (ignoring that Schoenberg has not been modern for decades).

Born in Vienna in 1874, Schoenberg’s music grew and developed amid the cultural growth and energy of turn of the century Vienna and he was mostly self-taught.

His early works show the influence of Gustav Mahler and Richard Strauss, a rich romanticism and tempestuous music full of energy and drama.

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
Similar stories
Mujician
Books / 3 June 2026
3 June 2026

CHRIS SEARLE recommends a work of love and deep admiration for a great musician

cannes
Cannes Film Festival 2026 / 26 May 2026
26 May 2026

RITA DI SANTO takes us through the prize winners, and takes the temperature of a festival that prioritised narratives of exile, state violence and class division

suede
Live Music Review / 12 February 2026
12 February 2026

SUSAN DARLINGTON swoons in the presence of a magnetic frontman

rani
Music Review / 2 December 2025
2 December 2025

WILL STONE witnesses an experimental piano concerto inspired by the work of a young Jewish victim of the Nazis