Intersections, Divergences, and Cross Sections: Eduard Steuermann, the Busoni-Schoenberg Nexus, and a Broadening of Compositional Procedures in the Twentieth Century

Abstract

ABSTRACT Eduard Steuermann is remembered primarily as a protégé of Arnold Schoenberg, with whom he studied theory and composition from 1912 to 1914. However, he also studied with Ferruccio Busoni beginning in 1910, maintaining contact with him until at least 1922. Although Schoenberg’s influence on Steuermann is well documented, little has been written about Busoni’s impact, including the lasting effect their relationship had on Steuermann’s activities as pianist, author, composer, and teacher. After documenting the Busoni connection, my article shows that Steuermann helped pioneer a vision of contemporary music that blended ideals from both of his mentors to forge unorthodox treatments of serialism.