Arnold Schönberg og Paul Hindemith:

Individualister på funksjonalistisk grunn

Abstract

Arnold Schoenberg and Paul Hindemith were beyond doubt two of the most prominent composers and musical thinkers of the 20th century. They were both inividualistic in outlook and musical style, and more often than not they are regarded as main representatives of two different and rather antagonistic schools of 20th century musical thought. This phenomenon is particularily focused in questions concerning their different opinions on the concept of tonality, and their views on the purpose of music for modern man. Theodor Wiesengrund Adorno also has given considerable contributions to these issues, as well as to the reception history of Schoenberg and Hindemith. The purpose of this article, is to point out some vital traits which may suggest a common ground for Schoenbergian as well as Hindemithian musical thought. This common ground may be seen as being built up by the philosophy pervading the concept of functionalism in 20th century architecture and design. Main features in Schoenberg's and Hindemith's views on musical material, musical form, and the purpose of music, are discussed in relation to the concept of functionalism, and to the thought of Adolf Loos, Louis Sullivan and Le Corbusier.