Alfred Schnittke (1934–1998) presents himself as a key figure in Russian musical art of the second half of the 20th century. His music presents crossroads for the most important trends of the art of composition from that time; it absorbed into itself everything – or almost everything – which the 20th century was distinct for, and this fusion generated the composer’s unique inimitable style.
The music of Schnittke combines the experimental explorations for the new and the foundation on profound tradition, a sharp expressivity of sound and a neo-romantic beginning.
Concerto grosso №2 for violin, cello and symphony orchestra (1981–1982) was written using the technique of polystylistics: the basis of the Baroque style is combined with the musical language of the 20th century. The four-movement cycle is built according to the principle of contrast.
The Cantata “The History of Doctor Johann Faust,” written in 1983, is one of the most crucial compositions by Alfred Schnittke. The theme of Faust is generally prevailing in his work. The Cantata turned out to be a certain kind of final outcome in the composer’s musings on the issues of good and evil, of guilt and redemption from it by sacrifice, death and spiritual immortality – everything which creates a special atmosphere of his music: the spirit of high tragedy lives in it.
Gennady Nikolayevich Rozhdestvensky had been closely connected with Alfred Schnittke, who dedicated his First Symphony to him; he conducted the world premieres of a number of his compositions.
