Alfred Schnittke (1934-1998)

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Schnittke-Heads! Assemble!

I am in need of a second recording of symphony no.4, this piece is really starting to consume me, one of the more interesting instrumentations and structure of a symphony. There's the Rozhdestvensky recording and the BIS with Kamu. Eventually could get both but would like to get one right now that would contrast well with the Polansky version.

Karl, I believe you have all three so you might be able to offer some sound advice.

Thanks in advance!

Since you're a Schnittke fan, why don't you just buy the BIS set of symphonies, Greg?

[TheGSMoeller]

I have the Rozhdy as reissued on Venezia (a set of 1-4). All those Melodiya recordings have unsatisfactory sound, like an exaggerated model of the Soviet audio approach. So yeah. Get Kamu.

thanks, eyeresist.

Since you're a Schnittke fan, why don't you just buy the BIS set of symphonies, Greg?

you do make a good point, john

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you do make a good point, john

I used to own the Schinttke BIS set, but I gave it away. You can buy the set for $27 right now from the Amazon MP seller: blowitoutofhere.

[Karl Henning]

FWIW, I elected to cherry-pick symphonies. Some stretches of the BIS set have raised the eyebrows of Schnittke-heads (to mix metaphors).

[Karl Henning]

It was only a matter of time, of course . . . but I've pulled the trigger on the Psalms of Repentance CD.

[TheGSMoeller]

It was only a matter of time, of course . . . but I've pulled the trigger on the Psalms of Repentance CD.

Details later, please. I've been eyeing this one. Starting to think Schnittke has written some of the best, if not the best choral music of the past 30 to 40 years.

[bhodges]

It was only a matter of time, of course . . . but I've pulled the trigger on the Psalms of Repentance CD.

This one? (Of course, it may be the only one.)

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Details later, please. I've been eyeing this one. Starting to think Schnittke has written some of the best, if not the best choral music of the past 30 to 40 years.

Inclined to agree with you!

--Bruce

[Karl Henning]

This one? (Of course, it may be the only one.)

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That's the one, and it's just landed to-day.

And Edward's reply to Harry reminds me that I've not listened yet to Peer Gynt . . . .

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And Edward's reply to Harry reminds me that I've not listened yet to Peer Gynt . . . .

For shame! WTF? What in the world is taking you so long? It's the finest work by Schnittke I've heard.

[Karl Henning]

Ilaria's recent listening makes me realize that I don't know the Vn Concertos at all . . . where does this recording stand, anyone?

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[not edward]

I don't have that particular recording, but the other Schnittke recordings I've heard with Krysa have been satisfactory but not quite at the level of his best Russian interpreters (similarly with his recording of Gubaidulina's Offertorium, as it happens).

Of the recordings I've heard (not nearly enough of them, sadly) I'm most partial to Kagan on Live Classics for the 3rd (http://www.amazon.com/Oleg-Kagan-Plays-Schnittke-Alfred/dp/B000060P8M), though Lubotsky on Ondine (http://www.amazon.com/Schnittke-A-Concerto-Gothoni-Lubotsky/dp/B002K2IYRW) is also good in the 3rd.

For the 4th, I've only heard the two Kremer recordings: the earlier--naturally OOP--recording (http://www.amazon.com/Schnittke-Violin-Concerto-No-4-Predlud/dp/B000025460) is my preferred choice even without considering the later Kremer's unfortunate attempt to render the cadenza visuale by means of grunting noises. However, the later Kremer (http://www.amazon.com/Schnittke-Complete-Violin-Concertos-Nos/dp/B00004Z44N) has the advantage of coming as part of a complete set of the four.

[Parsifal]

Ilaria's recent listening makes me realize that I don't know the Vn Concertos at all . . . where does this recording stand, anyone?

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I clearly recall being blown away by a BIS recording of the violin concerti, but now I do not recall if my impressions are from the first (concerti #1 and #2) or second  (concerti #3 and #4) volume or both.  In any case, I have never regretted purchasing any volume of Schnittke from BIS.

My high regard for Krysa is also derived from this excellent recording

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The Ravel, in particular, is superb.

[Lisztianwagner]

Ilaria's recent listening makes me realize that I don't know the Vn Concertos at all . . .

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In any case, I have never regretted purchasing any volume of Schnittke from BIS.

My sentiments exactly. The BIS series is very strong and despite whatever criticism may be thrown at this recording or that recording, it's quite a consistent cycle both in terms of performance and audio quality. I certainly wouldn't want to be without any of them now.

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Would you like to tango? Well, now here's your chance:

http://www.youtube.com/v/6mJ4-ChAVnM

[lescamil]

Wow, I wish that whole performance were on YouTube. Schnittke's music, especially his stage music or larger choral works, can be so powerful when taken in with visuals.

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Wow, I wish that whole performance were on YouTube. Schnittke's music, especially his stage music or larger choral works, can be so powerful when taken in with visuals.

I really wish the whole performance was uploaded as well as this short movement only wetted my appetite. What are your favorite works by Schnittke? Mine are Concerto Grossi Nos. 1 & 2, Cello Concerto No. 2, Viola Concerto, Symphonies 1-5, 8, Faust Cantata, Requiem, Peer Gynt, all of the film music, Ritual, (K)ein Sommernachtstraum, Piano Quintet, Concerto for Piano and String Orchestra, among others.

[snyprrr]

Concerto Grosso No.1

Concerto Grosso No.2

Concerto Grosso No.3

Concerto Grosso No.4 (Symphony No.5)

Concerto Grosso No.5

Concerto Grosso No.6


Could someone give a short description of each? I currently have No.1 (Kremer;DG), and used to have Chailly's No.4 (totally forgotten). I would probably get that Chailly again given the chance...

[springrite]

Wow, I wish that whole performance were on YouTube. Schnittke's music, especially his stage music or larger choral works, can be so powerful when taken in with visuals.

The last violin concerto should also have visuals. In the last movement, the violinist is supposed to play like a madman only not touching the strings and not making a sound. But for CD they used an audio version approved by the composer where notes were played. Would be good to have the original version with no sound from the violinist and only visuals!

[lescamil]

The last violin concerto should also have visuals. In the last movement, the violinist is supposed to play like a madman only not touching the strings and not making a sound. But for CD they used an audio version approved by the composer where notes were played. Would be good to have the original version with no sound from the violinist and only visuals!

This similar effect takes place in his Piano Quintet in the first and last movements. I have been fortunate to see this done live, and this is one of my favorite works. It's a work that haunts you long after it is finished. Safe to say that Schnittke's chamber works are some of my favorites, although there is a large amount of his music I like that is orchestral. Not too many holes in his oeuvre for me.