Alfred Schnittke
A fascinating portrait of the momentous Russian composer Alfred Schnittke.
Alexander Ivashkin
- Presents a fascinating portrait of Russian composer Alfred Schnittke (1934-98), whose music was inextricably linked to the strictures of life in the Soviet Union
- Provides a detailed and admiring discussion of Schnittke's music and his theories
- Argues that the various stylistic elements in his works - his polystylism - may be perceived as part of a new, more universal musical language
- The first book on Schnittke published in English
Paperback
156 x 220 mm, 6 1/8 x 8 5/8 in
240 pp
80 black and white illustrations
ISBN 9780714831695
0714831697
The first ever book to be published in English about the momentous Russian composer Alfred Schnittke (1934-98), this extensive biography presents a fascinating portrait of a man whose musical output was inextricably linked to the strictures of life in the Soviet Union. His music - a strong reflection of Russian cultural and social traditions, and underlying mentality - enjoys tremendous popularity in his own country, and increasingly on an international level.
The author gives a detailed and admiring discussion of Schnittke's music and his theories, arguing that the various stylistic elements in his works - his characteristic polystylism - may be perceived as part of a new, more universal musical language.
Alexander Ivashkin currently teaches the cello and Music History at the University of Canterbury in New Zealand. An accomplished cellist and writer on music, he is also a close friend of the Schnittke family.
'So much of the material is new that this book is a must for anyone remotely interested in the subject.' (Gramophone)
'Ivashkin has written what is undoubtedly the fullest account to date in any language of Schnittke's life and work, and one which is unlikely to be surpassed.' (London Magazine)
'As a series, Phaidon's 20th Century Composers has brought remarkable variety and a welter of information, both necessary and delightfully trivial. Intended both for the general reader and for the more enthusiatically musical...' (The Scotsman)