Alban Berg (1885-1935) is often thought of as the most lyrical composer of the Second Viennese School. He was an early proponent of serialism, but less strict in his application of the technique than either his teacher Schoenberg or his fellow student Webern.  Berg was a modernist in his use of atonality, while remaining a Romantic in his incredible command of melody and flair for drama.  Though he did not always adhere strictly to Schoenberg’s 12-tone system, scholars have noted that Berg's own manner of structuring and organizing his atonal compositions was incredibly sophisticated in its own right.

Like Webern, Berg published relatively few works during his lifetime, completing only six with opus numbers, in addition several songs and smaller pieces without. As a modern opera composer in particular, the author of Wozzeck and the unfinished Lulu, Berg was unrivaled. His first opera, Wozzeck, is additionally distinguished by its standing as the first full-length atonal opera, as Lulu was to be the first full-length 12-tone opera.  Berg also wrote noteworthy orchestral pieces, including the Lyrische Suite and the Kammerkonzert, as well as several songs and chamber music works.