Analysis of “Mondestrunken”
Atonality is used to describe music that lacks key or a tonal center. Music that fails to conform to the system of tonal hierarchies which usually characterized European music in the period between the seventeenth and nineteenth century is primarily described by atonality. “Mondestrunken” is a “basic image” that depicts one of the stages which portrays Schoenberg being directed astray to atonality by the moonlight., facing the consequences and his attempt to return to his old style but for fall short. The moonlight image that streams down the composer in waves result in the rising of chains of tetrachords that are linked by classes of the common pitch. This piece is an awesome atonal work of top quality as the creativity of a high level is employed in its setting. Used in the atonal work by Pierrot are techniques and beautiful classical forms.
Sprechstimme is a cross between singing and speaking whereby speech tone quality is lowered or heightened in pitch lengthwise melodic contours that are indicated in the notation of music. It is frequently applied in 20th-century music. Sprechstimme leaves room for many variables in expression than either singing or speaking to individuals. In “Mondestrunken” Schoenberg avails instructions for the Sprechstimme leaving room for interpretation thus making it effective.
“Mondestrunken” is dissonance dominated rather than consonance. This makes it create a feeling among its listeners that is unsettling. The poem is vividly brought to life by the settings of the text and echoing of German cabaret. This enables referential listeners to make associations this music creates for the. The music, therefore, enables one to have in mind the occurrences of their live-in various aspects. This is because this part is all about religion, love, and sex. For example, one can have a reference and thought about religion whenever listening to music.
