Alfred Schnittke
Alfred Schnittke
Alfred Schnittkewas a Soviet and Russian composer. Schnittke's early music shows the strong influence of Dmitri Shostakovich. He developed a polystylistic technique in works such as the epic Symphony No. 1and his first concerto grosso. In the 1980s, Schnittke's music began to become more widely known abroad with the publication of his secondand thirdstring quartets and the String Trio; the ballet Peer Gynt; the third, fourth, and fifthsymphonies; and the violaand first celloconcertos. As his health deteriorated, Schnittke's music started...
NationalityRussian
ProfessionComposer
Date of Birth24 November 1934
CountryRussian Federation
For a solo work I need a definite idea. For the present I have none.
Do you know that my very first experience as a composer was a 'Concerto for Accordion?
I am not (yet) facing the problem of emigration. I want my music to be acknowledged here first of all, in this country: after that, we shall see - perhaps the question will then become urgent.
For almost thirty years I repeatedly saw one and the same dream: I would arrive in Vienna at long last. I would feel really happy, for I was returning to my serene childhood.
I set down a beautiful chord on paper—and suddenly it rusts.
I would wake up in Moscow or somewhere else, my heart beating fast, feeling bitter and helpless.
I attempt to compose symphonies, although it is clear to me that logically it is pointless.
I am not facing the problem of emigration. I want my music to be acknowledged here first of all, in this country: after that, we shall see - perhaps the question will than become urgent.