This recording presents four important compositions by Arnold Schönberg, recorded by the Sinfonieorchester des Südwestfunks conducted by Michael Gielen. The Five Pieces for Orchestra, Op. 16, were epoch-making not only within Schönberg's oeuvre but in music history generally: they are among the first instrumental compositions to dispense with tonality as an artistic means. The CD also includes Schönberg's Cello Concerto with Heinrich Schiff as soloist.