Musician Stricken with a Phobia of the Number Thirteen, Passes Away on Unlucky Friday the 13th...
In the world of classical music, few figures loom as large as Arnold Schoenberg. A music theorist, teacher, writer, and painter, Schoenberg is widely regarded as one of the most influential and respected composers of the 21st century. However, beyond his musical prowess, Schoenberg is also known for his lifelong fear of the number 13, a phobia known as triskaidekaphobia.
This fear had a profound impact on Schoenberg's life, and it reached its climax on Friday, July 13, 1951. On this unlucky day, Schoenberg, then 76 years old, spent his final day feeling unbearably anxious and believing the worst was about to happen. His wife, Gertrud, recalled that Schoenberg's throat rattled twice and his heart gave a powerful beat before he passed away.
The superstition surrounding Friday 13th has been around since the first half of the 19th century. Many theories exist as to why this day is considered particularly wretched. In Christianity, for instance, Judas Iscariot, the disciple who betrayed Jesus, was the thirteenth diner at the Last Supper.
Schoenberg, like many others, was not alone in his superstitions about the number 13. He deliberately misspelled his opera, Moses und Aron, to avoid the number 13, as the correct spelling would have made the title exactly 13 letters long.
Today, Friday, September 13, 2024, the number 13 continues to be considered unlucky by many. Some people may choose to spend the day indoors to avoid bad luck. Interestingly, this fear is reflected in modern practices, such as the absence of a 13th row on Ryanair and Lufthansa flights, and many hotels and restaurants refusing to have a room or table numbered 13.
Arnold Schönberg's story serves as a poignant reminder of the power of superstition and the impact it can have on individuals and society. Despite his fear, Schoenberg left behind a rich legacy in the realm of classical music, with several religious works unfinished at his death. His music continues to be celebrated and studied, a testament to the enduring power of his compositions.
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