One of the more popular works of Arnold Schoenberg (1874 - 1951), his tone poem for string sextet "Verklarte Nacht" [Transfigured Night], was refused its premiere by the ensemble that had been scheduled to perform it. Why?

Could it be?

In his compositions, Schoenberg employed far-reaching harmonies, a trait that later developed into atonality. Because of this, riots erupted at both premieres of his first two string quartets in 1905 and 1908. Such experiences led him often to feel persecuted by a public that could not understand his music.



"Schoenberg, Arnold," Microsoft® Encarta® Encyclopedia 2000. © 1993-1999 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.

Hi Mozart56!

Your answer is true by itself, however, this particular work is very tonal and not hard to listen to at all. It's a very post romantic work and could be mistaken for Wagner or Richard Strauss on first hearing. But there is quite a different answer in regards to this piece as to why it was rejected by the ensemble scheduled to perform it. The answer is quite surprising in that the reasoning behind the refusal to perform the work is quite hypocritical.