Verklärte Nacht was inspired by a poem by the German writer Richard Dehmel that depicts a night-time conversation between two lovers. The woman confesses that she is pregnant from a previous sexual encounter. Rather than reject her, the man declares that his love for her will enable him to raise her child as his own.

Arnold Schoenberg’s rich and sensual harmonic language looks back to the great masterpieces of the late Romantic era (especially Wagner’s Tristan und Isolde) while anticipating the 20th century’s musical adventures in sound. The passionate and tender piece is spellbinding from its mysterious opening to its hushed conclusion.

The ‘sublime’ (The Courier) Scottish Ensemble makes a welcome return to the Festival to perform this fin-de-siècle masterpiece: an important milestone in music history, and Schoenberg’s best-loved composition.

The Hub Series is supported by Sir Ewan and Lady Brown together with Flure Grossart