Alfred Schnittke (1934-1998)

[Archaic Torso of Apollo]

In other news, I've really been enjoying Schnittke's later music tonight. Finishing up Symphony No. 8 as I type. What do you guys make of this symphony? Schnittke's acceptance of death? His own grief wrapped up within the music? Would love to get some interpretations from you guys.

I think it's one of his best works, and I prefer it to the previous 2 symphonies because of its directness and emotional expressiveness. The highlights for me are the slow movement and the short finale, which sounds like lifting off into space. The symphony as a whole reminds me a lot of Malcolm Arnold's 9th in its spirit and approach.

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I think it's one of his best works, and I prefer it to the previous 2 symphonies because of its directness and emotional expressiveness. The highlights for me are the slow movement and the short finale, which sounds like lifting off into space. The symphony as a whole reminds me a lot of Malcolm Arnold's 9th in its spirit and approach.

Interesting that you compare this symphony to Arnold's 9th. I never thought of this connection before. Yeah, that slow movement Lento is something else. Feels like some kind of meditation on death IMHO. Do you have a favorite performance of the symphony? Mine of course is Rozhdestvensky.

[Archaic Torso of Apollo]

Do you have a favorite performance of the symphony? Mine of course is Rozhdestvensky.

That's the one I've got, and the only one I've heard.

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That's the one I've got, and the only one I've heard.

Excellent, Velimir. I love that performance. I think Rozhdestvensky really gets to the soul of the work don't you think?

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What does everyone think of Schnittke's Symphony No. 9. Of course, it was only left behind in sketches but it was reconstructed by Alexander Raskatov. The ECM recording with Dennis Russell Davies is the performance to own.

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Many people seem divided on this symphony, but count me as one that enjoys the work.

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I see that Schnittke remains popular around here.

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I would love to know everyone's top 5 favorite Schnittke works. I'll have to think about mine.

[madaboutmahler]

Currently:
Faust Cantata, Viola Concerto, Requiem, 3rd symphony and Choir Concerto

[North Star]

Off the top of my head:
Symphonies nos. 2 & 4, Faust Cantata, Requiem & Choir Concerto

[Lisztianwagner]

Currently:
Symphonies No.3 & 4, Concerto for piano and strings, Viola Concerto, Labyrinths.

[not edward]

Off the top of my head and in chronological order: Violin Sonata #2, Piano Quintet, Concerto for Piano and Strings, Peer Gynt, Symphony #8.

[amw]

OTOH in no order - Choir Concerto, Minnesang, Piano Quintet, Symphony #1

and... something else? Maybe Der gelbe Klang, though it's a definite outlier.

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Okay, I've assembled my list (in no particular order):

1. Requiem
2. Cello Concerto No. 1
3. Symphony No. 8
4. Peer Gynt
5. Piano Quintet

[Archaic Torso of Apollo]

Okay, I've assembled my list (in no particular order):

1. Requiem
2. Cello Concerto No. 1
3. Symphony No. 8
4. Peer Gynt
5. Piano Quintet

That list very closely tracks my preferences. But on given day I might prefer the 2nd or 3rd String Quartet over the Requiem, or the Viola Cto. over the Cello Cto.

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That list very closely tracks my preferences. But on given day I might prefer the 2nd or 3rd String Quartet over the Requiem, or the Viola Cto. over the Cello Cto.

Yes, I was reluctant to leave off the Viola Concerto or even String Quartet No. 2 which are both works I strongly connect with. I need to re-familiarize myself with String Quartet No. 3. I've heard it before of course but I've heard so much since the last listen. I also felt bad for leaving off Symphony No. 4 and Faust Cantata, but this is a top five list not a top twenty.

[Trout]

Concerto Grosso No. 1, Peer Gynt, String Quartets Nos. 2 & 3, Symphony No. 5

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Concerto Grosso No. 1, Peer Gynt, String Quartets Nos. 2 & 3, Symphony No. 5

Ah yes, Symphony No. 5 also known as Concerto Grosso No. 4. Love this work. Very intense and brooding.

[TheGSMoeller]

Choir Concerto
Symphony No. 2/ or No.8, it's a tie
Piano Concerto for Piano and String Orchestra
Minnesung
Film Music (all of the film music I've heard has been delightful, can't pick just one right now)

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Choir Concerto
Symphony No. 2/ or No.8, it's a tie
Piano Concerto for Piano and String Orchestra
Minnesung
Film Music (all of the film music I've heard has been delightful, can't pick just one right now)

Nice list, Greg. It would be nice, however, if you could narrow down your choice of film music to one work.

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Requiem
Choir Concerto
2nd String Quartet ¹
Symphony 2 ²
Symphony 1 <sup>3

1</sup> I keep this in my car, as my "calming down" music for when I find myself once again sitting stationary for hours in a jam with the engine switched off.  (Or "driving" as it is called over here.)
² This makes a great Finale to Bruckner's 9th Symphony, and it continues to amaze me that no-one ever thinks of programming these two together.
³ Considered as theatre.  I have seen this in performance, and as a spectacle it works very well.  (Doesn't always make a great deal of sense on disc alas.)

Very nice list, Soapy Molloy. I really need to give Symphony No. 2 'St. Florian' some time to grow on me. I love the way he stacks the voices at various times in the work and combines it with that trademark Schnittkian build up of dissonances.