Russel Berg <[log in to unmask]> asked:
>Why is Schoenberg an important composer?
Schoenberg is an important composer because he fits neatly in the narrative
of 20th century CM history. History is essentially told (a story, if you
like); & as composer, theoretician & human being, AS offers exactly the
right kind of narrative to resonate strongly with 20th century aesthetic
thought.
AS is also a interesting composer because he developed an intriguing spin
on 19th century musical thought, which - while not exactly guaranteeing the
supremacy of German music for a hundred years, as AS once sadly claimed -
_did_ offer some interesting potentials to be explored.
Finally, AS is a good composer because - stripped of all the theory - a
significant proportion of his scores are damn good.
It's important to remember that these three statements need not necessarily
overlap (Cage rates well in category 1 but insignificantly in category 2 &
3... as the great aesthetician Bugs Bunny so eloquently puts it: "I hope
you realise: this means war!")... a fact your querying title seems to
suggest you already understand....
All the best,
Robert Clements <[log in to unmask]>
<http://www.ausnet.net.au/~clemensr/welcome.htm>