Los Angeles House Concert Honors Arnold Schoenberg
Three generations of the Schoenberg family.
From left (rear): Barbara Zeisl Schoenberg, Consul General Michael Postl, Ronald Schoenberg, Nathan Schoenberg, Randy Schoenberg, with the Webern Quartet (front).
Photo: Austrian Consulate General, Los Angeles.
On July 30, 2024, the Austrian Consul General in Los Angeles, Michael Postl, hosted a memorable house concert celebrating "Schoenberg150," honoring the renowned Austrian-American composer Arnold Schoenberg. The event drew a distinguished crowd, including members of the Schoenberg family living in Los Angeles.
The evening’s musical program featured Schoenberg’s first and third string quartets, spanning his late Romantic and twelve-tone periods. The selected pieces reflected Schoenberg's distinctive compositional style. The first string quartet, presented in a single movement, conveyed a depth of emotion comparable to a symphony, showcasing Schoenberg’s ability to express profound feelings through music. In contrast, the rhythmic third quartet brought the excitement of the roaring twenties in Berlin to life with its energetic rhythms and vibrant structure.
Randy Schoenberg, the composer’s grandson, delivered a heartfelt welcome, highlighting the historical and ongoing relevance of Schoenberg’s works. The Webern Quartet performed the pieces with precise execution, earning enthusiastic applause from the audience.
The presence of Schoenberg's son, Ronald Schoenberg, and his wife, Barbara Zeisl Schoenberg, as well as great grandson Nathan, added a personal touch, emphasizing the family's commitment to preserving their ancestor’s musical legacy.
The evening concluded with lively conversations among guests, reflecting on the concert and Schoenberg’s enduring influence.
Overall, the Schoenberg150 house concert was a significant and successful tribute, celebrating both the musical and personal dimensions of Arnold Schoenberg’s legacy.
Randy Schoenberg addresses the audience.
Photo: Austrian Consulate General, Los Angeles