Alfred Schnittke (1934-1998)

[Mirror Image]

I just got this in the mail:



... very excited to explore the music further. I'm curious, though, what is Schnittke's shortest, and most easily digestible symphony? Does such a thing exist? With Mahler, it took hearing his fourth symphony, one of the shortest and most lyrical of his works, to become a fan of his, though I now prefer his more sprawling, all-encompassing works. I suspect similar will occur with Schnittke who also wrote massive symphonies, albeit in a completely different idiom.

The cello concerto is amazing, by the way. Must be one of the best works in the repertoire for that instrument. Really enjoying it lately.

Schnittke's shortest symphony? Probably his 7th, but the 6th is pretty short as well. I really like Schnittke's 4th, 5th, and 8th symphonies, but, IMHO, I wouldn't say they're his 'best' works. The cycle of SQs, all of the Concerti Grossi, the Piano Quintet, Peer Gynt, the Requiem, both cello concerti, the Viola Concerto Faust Cantata, (K)ein Sommernachtstraum, Ritual, Four Hymns for chamber ensemble, the Concerto for Piano and Strings, and the cello sonatas are my favorites from him.

[schnittkease]

Schnittke's shortest symphonies (Nos. 6, 7) are probably not the easiest to digest. Try No. 5 (Concerto grosso No. 4).

https://www.youtube.com/v/VkhaGNLxQLo

[steve ridgway]

Is one of those two the Fourth Violin Concerto? I have heard the Kremer/Eschenbach/COE version below, which is terrific (as are the other three).

[Asin]B00004Z44N[/asin]

--Bruce

It is - Kremer, Rozhdestvensky, Moscow Conservatoire Students' Orchestra live 1990. I haven't heard any other to compare with and have only had the first listen, but it sounded pretty good to me.

[bhodges]

It is - Kremer, Rozhdestvensky, Moscow Conservatoire Students' Orchestra live 1990. I haven't heard any other to compare with and have only had the first listen, but it sounded pretty good to me.

Thanks! And as a fan of live recordings, I will try to hear this.

--Bruce

[Mirror Image]

It's quite amusing how there's such a surge in interest in Schnittke the past week or so. This thread was quiet as a mouse for the longest time. I wonder if the darker months ahead have anything to do with it? Do people listen to Schnittke during the spring or summer? Just curious.

[vers la flamme]

It's quite amusing how there's such a surge in interest in Schnittke the past week or so. This thread was quiet as a mouse for the longest time. I wonder if the darker months ahead have anything to do with it? Do people listen to Schnittke during the spring or summer? Just curious.

Yep he's pure cold weather music. Sibelius too. I have been listening to him a lot lately as it's been cooling down.

[Mirror Image]

Yep he's pure cold weather music. Sibelius too. I have been listening to him a lot lately as it's been cooling down.

I can listen to Sibelius any time. He's just that kind of composer. But, yes, there's a certain wintry quality to much of Sibelius' music that's undeniable, but I often wonder if it's just the listener adding their own imagery or does the sound of his music seem to naturally evoke the homeland of the composer? Perhaps this would be better suited for the Sibelius thread...

[Karl Henning]

I was somehow certain that I had a recording of the Pf Quintet with Martha Argerich, and today,  I am well pleased to find that I was correct!

[Karl Henning]

I was somehow certain that I had a recording of the Pf Quintet with Martha Argerich, and today,  I am well pleased to find that I was correct!

Well, no, I was mistaken. The pianist for the Schnittke is Lilya Zilberstein. I am sure it will prove an excellent recording.

[steve ridgway]

It's quite amusing how there's such a surge in interest in Schnittke the past week or so. This thread was quiet as a mouse for the longest time. I wonder if the darker months ahead have anything to do with it? Do people listen to Schnittke during the spring or summer? Just curious.

Just the process of "chance" discovery for me but I'd listen all year round .

[vers la flamme]

Anyone else been listening to Schnittke's Requiem lately? Wow, what a piece. Probably my favorite 20th century Requiem now. Shout out to Mirror Image for the recommendation. The Credo is especially mind blowing...

[steve ridgway]

Oh yes, I am getting into much Schnittke now.

[Mirror Image]

Anyone else been listening to Schnittke's Requiem lately? Wow, what a piece. Probably my favorite 20th century Requiem now. Shout out to Mirror Image for the recommendation. The Credo is especially mind blowing...

Yes, the Requiem is quite a marvelous piece. Have you heard the Faust Cantata yet?

[vers la flamme]

Yes, the Requiem is quite a marvelous piece. Have you heard the Faust Cantata yet?

No I have not. What's a good recording?

[Symphonic Addict]

Curiously, I remember not liking the Requiem that much. Am I missing anything?

[vers la flamme]

Curiously, I remember not liking the Requiem that much. Am I missing anything?

In my opinion, obviously, yes. 

[Mirror Image]

No I have not. What's a good recording?

This one:

[Mirror Image]

Curiously, I remember not liking the Requiem that much. Am I missing anything?

It really depends on what you perceived to be wrong or not to your liking the last time you heard it?

[relm1]

This one:

I really like this album, a good intro to Schnittke for those unfamiliar with his style.  And of course Symphony No. 5/Concerto Grosso.  Very strong works.

[Mirror Image]

I really like this album, a good intro to Schnittke for those unfamiliar with his style.  And of course Symphony No. 5/Concerto Grosso.  Very strong works.

Yes, indeed, although Symphony No. 5 (Concerto Grosso No. 4) isn't on this particular recording of course, but, yes, that symphony would make a fine introduction as well.