Alfred Schnittke was a Russian-German composer, born on November 24, 1934, in Engels, then part of the Soviet Union, and passed away on August 3, 1998. One of the late 20th century's most eclectic composers, his music is known for its stylistic diversity and incorporation of various musical traditions, ranging from sacred choral music and historically-informed styles to Jazz and avant-garde elements. Schnittke often employed a technique he coined as "polystylism" which allowed him to weave together different types of music into a single tapestry, creating works that are at once complex and accessible, and reflective of the cultural pastiche of his time.

Over his prolific career, Schnittke composed a vast array of works including symphonies, concertos, operas, chamber music, and scores for over 60 films. His "Psalms of Repentance," "Requiem," and the albums dedicated to exploring his film music and chamber works highlight the breadth of his creative output. Though his music was somewhat suppressed in the Soviet Union for its nonconformity, his international acclaim grew in the latter part of his life, with various musicians dedicating themselves to performing and recording his compositions. Schnittke's enduring impact on the music world continues posthumously, as his challenging yet compelling body of work is performed and celebrated around the globe.

Genres

Avant-garde

Contemporary Classical

Russian Contemporary Classical

Russian Modern Classical

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Henryk Górecki

Krzysztof Penderecki

Giya Kancheli

Philip Glass

György Ligeti

John Tavener

Max Richter

Ólafur Arnalds

Sofia Gubaidulina

Nils Frahm

Latest Release

Schnittke: Film Music, Vol. 6

Alfred Schnittke•

Rundfunk-Sinfonieorchester Berlin•

Vladimir Jurowski

Album - 36 Tracks - Released October 4, 2024