Wind Quintet, Op. 26

The QUINTET FOR WIND INSTRUMENTS (BLÄSERQUINTETT) was completed in August 1924, and played for the first time on September 16, 1924. It is the first large work in which Schönberg has substantiated the laws of composition with twelve tones. All themes and sound combinations are derived from the basic series (E-flat, G, A, B, C-sharp, C, B-flat, D, E, F-sharp, A-flat, F) and a number of subsidiary series (inversion, crab” or retrograde motion, etc.). The homogeneity and uniformity thus achieved constitutes an equivalent to the form-building functions of a fixed tonality.” – Program Note from the score. This early example of Schönberg’s twelve-tone technique premiered on September 13, 1924, the composer’s birthday. Reprint edition.