Arnold Schoenberg short biography

Arnold Schoenberg had enormous authority over the shape of music ideas during the 20th century. While his early compositions are written in the post-romantic style, Schoenberg later created and composed music of atonality, with no key or tonal centre. Schoenberg developed a style of composition consisting of the twelve possible different semitones. Born in Vienna, Schoenberg had his first considerable success in Berlin, but left Germany after Hitler came to power. Schoenberg moved to the USA where he continued his innovative activities. Schoenberg’s students include Anton Webern and Alban Berg who, together with their teacher, are recognized as the Second Viennese School.