Anton Webern was born on March 3, 1883, in Vienna, Austria. His father was a civil servant, and his mother was a musician. From a young age, Webern showed a natural talent for music, and he began taking piano lessons at the age of six. He grew up in a household filled with music, and his mother's influence as a musician played a significant role in shaping his musical development.
Webern's formal music education began at Vienna University, where he studied musicology with the renowned Guido Adler. It was during this time that he developed a deep appreciation for the works of Heinrich Isaac, leading him to focus his thesis on Isaac's Choralis Constantinus.
Under the guidance of Adler, Webern began to explore new tonal and harmonic possibilities in his compositions. He was heavily influenced by the teachings of composer Arnold Schoenberg and became an enthusiastic follower of Schoenberg's twelve-tone compositional technique.
As a composer, Webern was known for his innovative and groundbreaking works. He was a key figure in the Second Viennese School, a group of composers that also included Schoenberg and Alban Berg. Webern's compositions were characterized by their use of atonal and serial techniques, which challenged traditional notions of harmony and form.
Throughout his career, Webern held various positions as a conductor and music director. He received critical acclaim for his conducting abilities, and he was respected for his interpretations of both contemporary and classical works.
In 1911, Webern married Wilhelmine Mortl, with whom he had four children. Despite the demands of his career, he was devoted to his family and found great joy in spending time with his children.
Webern's life was tragically cut short during the Allied Powers' occupation of Austria in World War II. In 1945, he was mistakenly shot and killed by an American soldier, a heartbreaking end to the life of a brilliant composer and conductor.
Despite his untimely death, Webern's influence on 20th-century music cannot be overstated. His innovative use of atonality and serialism paved the way for the development of modern music, inspiring generations of composers to think outside the traditional confines of harmony and tonality.
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