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The house where Arnold Schönberg
lived from 1918 to 1925 was renovated and reopened in 1999. In Arnold
Schönberg's apartement a permanent exhibition presents the great
master's life and works, his Mödling period and the history of
the Schönberg House. |
| History of the Schönberg
House |
| 1972 |
Schönberg’s home in Mödling remains unnoticed
for many years, and is in danger of being torn down at the beginning
of the seventies. Thanks to the initiative of Walter Szmolyan and
Elisabeth Lafite, virtually in the last minute the building is purchased
by the International Schönberg Society and preserved as an historical
monument. Subventions by Lower Austria, the Cities of Mödling and
Vienna, as well as the Federal Ministry of Education and Art make
possible the purchase and general restoration of the property which
subsequently becomes the quarters for the office of the ISG and a
site for research. |
| 1974 |
On 6 June 1974, with Nuria,
Ronald and Lawrence Schoenberg present, opening
ceremonies are conducted by Minister of Education and later Federal
Chancellor Fred Sinowatz. Maurizio Pollini plays Arnold Schönberg’s
Piano Pieces, op. 19 and op. 23 on the Ibach piano of the composer.
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In addition to exhibiting
Schönberg’s instruments, a gift from the heirs, the structure also
provides a research library with duplicate microfilms of the archives
housed in Los Angeles. As a result of its function both as a museum
and as a scholarly institution, it becomes an important venue for
Schönberg research in Austria. Concerts featuring works of the Viennese
School, among them regularly scheduled Schönberg-Serenades, as well
as the resumption of instruction in the spirit of Schönberg’s teaching
methods comprise the activities of the International Schönberg Society. |
| 1974 – 1977 |
A series of annual courses on interpretation
is held in Mödling under the direction of Schönberg’s pupil, Rudolf
Kolisch (until his death in 1978). His presence provides especial
authenticity to the program, and his collaboration with the director
of the complete edition of Schönberg’s works, Rudolf Stephan, results
in attracting a constant stream of young, international music scholars. |
| 1979 |
The visit to Mödling of Schönberg-pupil
and son-in-law, Felix
Greissle provides the impetus for a Schönberg-week in July. |
| 1980 |
Richard Hoffmann, pupil and Schönberg’s
assistant in America, provides instruction to classes in the Schönberg
House – since 1987 in cooperation with Oberlin College. |
| 1982 |
At the occasion of its
10-year anniversary, the ISG celebrates the “Mödling Schönberg-days”
from 8 to 10 October. |
| 1983 – 1990 |
In the summer months 1983
- 1990, at the invitation of the municipality of Vienna, Ernst
Krenek, who had made Arnold Schönberg’s acquaintance in
Mödling in 1922, and who had remained in contact with him until his
death, moves into the second story apartment of Bernhardgasse 6 with
his wife Gladys, where he composes his later works. |
| 1997 |
In March, 1997, as one of
its founders, the International Schönberg Society deeds the house
to the newly founded Arnold Schönberg Center Private Foundation. The
Schönberg-apartment is to become a living monument for intellectual
activity, and several bachelor apartments will be provided international
scholars and students for research projects. |
| 1999 |
Funds for the total restoration
of the Schönberg
House are provided by the Schönberg Foundation, the City
of Mödling, Lower Austria, the Federal Ministry for Education and
Art, Shopping City Süd as well as other donors and sponsors. |
| 2001 |
Restoration of the Garden
in Mödling. |
| 2003 |
Presentation of the Schönberg
Wine |
