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Arnold Schoenberg
**Arnold Schoenberg (1874–1951)** was one of the most significant innovators in 20th-century music, best known for developing the twelve-tone technique. Born in Vienna, Austria, he was active as a composer, music theorist, and educator. His early works were influenced by the Romantic style, composing in a manner similar to Richard Strauss and Gustav Mahler. However, he gradually moved beyond traditional tonality to explore new musical expressions.
Schoenbergʼs music is typically divided into three periods. His early tonal works include *Verklärte Nacht* (1899) and *Gurre-Lieder* (1900–1901), characterized by the rich sonorities of the Romantic era. This was followed by a transitional phase into atonality, where he abandoned traditional tonality and explored new musical languages in works like *Five Pieces for Orchestra* (1909) and *Erwartung* (1909).
In the 1920s, Schoenberg established the twelve-tone technique, systematically applying it in works such as *Suite for Piano, Op. 25* (1921–1923). This method involved using a series of the twelve chromatic scale tones in a way that treated each note equally, creating music that did not rely on traditional tonality. This invention was a foundational achievement in the development of modern music.
With the rise of the Nazi regime, Schoenberg, who was of Jewish descent, emigrated to the United States and continued his work in Southern California. While teaching, he continued composing, creating works that addressed themes of war and human suffering, such as *A Survivor from Warsaw* (1947).
As an educator, Schoenberg mentored many students, influencing composers of the Second Viennese School, including Alban Berg and Anton Webern. His theoretical book *Fundamentals of Musical Composition* remains widely read as a guide to contemporary music composition.
Although initially criticized for his radical innovations, Schoenbergʼs ideas and techniques had a profound impact on the development of 20th-century music. His works and theories expanded the possibilities of music, breaking traditional boundaries and paving the way for new forms of expression.