A hundred years ago, the reduction of symphonic music for small ensemble was a very topical subject: in 1918, Arnold Schönberg founded the Society for Private Musical Performances in Vienna in order to present modern music, which was initially reviled, to a dedicated circle of interested listeners. Contemporary symphonic works were also to be introduced. As the financial means for large performances were not available, Schönberg turned to arrangements: he entrusted his students with making reduced versions and participated in these tasks himself. Today we can fall back on a rich collection which makes for attractive programme planning under the current restrictions.

C. René Hirschfeld is composer in residence in the 2021/22 season in the Gesellschaftshaus Magdeburg. In this capacity, Hirschfeld is represented by the first performance of his Sonett III.

Claude Debussy / Benno Sachs - Prélude à l’après-midi d’un faune (1884)

René Hirschfeld - Sonett III (2020) WP

Anton Webern - Sechs Orchesterstücke op. 6 (1910 / 1920)

Johann Strauss / Arnold Schönberg - Kaiser-Walzer op. 437 (1889 / 1921)

Johann Strauss / Wolfgang Rihm - Unter Donner und Blitz. Polka op. 324 (1868 / 1982)

ensemble unitedberlin

Christoph Breidler, conductor