Sony
Sony Webern: Complete Works, Op. 1-31 (3CD Set)
★★★★★
The complete arc of Anton Webern's compositional universe — all 31 opus works on three discs in a definitive Sony DDD recording.
View price on Amazon
Affiliate Disclosure: Studio Supplies may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through links on this page, at no additional cost to you. This helps support our editorial team.
Notice a mistake? Let Us Know
Overview
Experience Webern's Genius: The Complete Works
Immerse yourself in the atonal landscapes of Anton Webern with this collection. Featuring all of Webern's compositions from Op. 1 to Op. 31, this set is a must-have for classical music aficionados and scholars alike.
Specifications:
- Artist: Anton Webern
- Title: Complete Works, Op. 1-31
- Number of Discs: 3
- SPARS Code: DDD
- Original Release Date: 2010
- Label: Sony
Pros & Cons
👍 Pros
- Complete Op. 1–31 coverage makes this a true one-stop reference for Webern's entire published output — no companion volumes needed.
- Three-disc DDD format offers fully digital audio quality, appropriate for music where textural clarity and dynamic micro-detail are essential to comprehension.
- Chronological organization across the opus numbers provides a built-in arc through Webern's stylistic evolution, from late-Romantic post-tonality to mature twelve-tone serialism.
- Sony Classical's production standards for this era are reliable — clean pressings and consistent disc quality in the physical format.
- The concentrated scale of Webern's catalog means three discs deliver enormous intellectual and musical density relative to multi-volume sets from other composers.
👎 Cons
- Performer and conductor credits are not prominently surfaced in available product data — potential buyers seeking a specific ensemble or conductor performance should verify before purchasing.
- Webern's compressed, highly abstract language makes this set challenging for casual listeners — it rewards dedicated attention rather than background listening.
- A 2010 release date means newer complete editions may have superseded it in terms of recording technology or interpretive freshness.
- Three discs at standard jewel-case pricing may feel expensive relative to streaming access for listeners who value the music over the physical artifact.
- Without liner notes confirmed, the scholarly context that makes a complete edition genuinely useful — analytical notes, historical essays — may be limited or absent.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is included in this set — does it contain all of Webern's published works?
Yes. This Sony set collects every work Webern assigned an opus number, from Op. 1 (Passacaglia for Orchestra, 1908) through Op. 31 (Cantata No. 2, 1943). These 31 works represent Webern's entire formally published output — a remarkably compact body of work from one of the twentieth century's most consequential composers. Works without opus numbers (the unpublished early pieces) are not included, but everything Webern considered finished and release-worthy is present.
Is this set appropriate for someone new to Webern and twentieth-century atonal music?
This set is most rewarding for listeners already comfortable with post-Romantic and early modernist music, or those approaching it with genuine curiosity and patience. Webern's language is concentrated and often brief — many works run under five minutes — but the density of thought per measure rewards close listening. The chronological progression across Op. 1–31 also makes this an ideal set for understanding how Webern's language evolved from late Romanticism through twelve-tone serialism.
How does this Sony recording compare to other complete Webern sets in terms of performers and audio quality?
The Sony set carries a DDD encoding designation, indicating fully digital recording and mastering, with an original release date of 2010. Without confirmed performer credits from available data, it is worth noting that Sony's classical catalog in this period drew on both archival and newly recorded sessions. For authoritative comparison against the Pierre Boulez / Deutsche Grammophon complete edition, researching the specific conductors and ensembles on this set is advisable before purchasing.
How long is the total program across three discs?
Webern's complete opus works are famously brief in aggregate — the entire canon runs approximately three to four hours. Three discs is a comfortable allocation for the full Op. 1–31 catalog without significant padding, and allows for thoughtful sequencing between the orchestral, chamber, vocal, and solo works.
Is this set still in print?
Availability fluctuates for this Sony Classical release. New and used copies circulate through the secondary market. Given the cultural significance of a complete Webern set, even used copies in good condition represent a worthwhile acquisition for serious collectors.
Related Products
