Peace on Earth op. 13

Friede auf Erden op. 13 is considered Arnold Schönberg's last tonal composition and is one of the few choral works of the Second Viennese School. On the same day that Schönberg completed op. 13, he wrote the first sketches for his 2nd String Quartet, a key work of atonal music. Even though Schönberg later orchestrated Friede auf Erden, the movement is to be performed a cappella according to his conception.

To support the rehearsal, the present choral score includes the piano transcription by Anton Webern, which was written for the rehearsals for the planned premiere. The text for op. 13 is based on a secular Christmas poem by Conrad Ferdinand Meyer.

At the time of composition (1907), Schönberg considered the vision of a "pure harmony among people" described in it to be conceivable; later he distanced himself from this idea. What remains is a composition of great artistic power and depth – a showpiece for powerful choirs!