Reference and Association in the Vier Lieder, Op. 2, of Alban Berg

Abstract

While scholars have focused considerable attention on extramusical references and associations in certain works of Alban Berg (especially the Lyric Suite, Chamber Concerto, Wozzeck, and the Violin Concerto), little attention has been given to these kinds of procedures in Berg's early Vier Lieder, op. 2. Referential associations in the op. 2 songs originate from the composer's relationship with Helene Nahowsky, whose affections he was courting during the time of their composition (1908–10). The references involve the key of D minor (“Helene's key”), an acronym based on the couple's initials (A B H = A B♭ B♭), and quotations and parody alluding to passages from Wagner's Tristan und Isolde.