William Kraft

Settings From Pierrot Lunaire

As part of the Arnold Schoenberg Institute's celebration of the 75th anniversary of Schoenberg's Pierrot Lunaire; Kraft was asked to write for the same Pierrot ensemble; choosing text from the 29 unused poems of Albert Giraud's original cycle. Kraft set about writing movements based on Feerie; Mein Bruder; Harlequinade; and Selbstmord; with musical Interludes separating the movements; along with an extended Fantasmagoria preceding the concluding Selbstmord. In homage to Schoenberg; Kraft modified his own seven-tone environment to the master's 12-tone pallette; also using Schoenberg's speaking/singing style in the vocal line. Each of the first three movements was premiered at the Institute over successive years; 1988 through 1990. Selbstmord would premiere in Boston in 1991 by Musica Viva. Kraft also created an orchestration of the work over a five year period; 1990-1994. (Available on rental.)