Episode 4
Donald Macleod and Russian music expert Alexander Ivashkin explore Schnittke's battles with ill-health. Featuring the terrifying Faust Cantata.
Donald Macleod presents a celebration of the music of the USSR's last great composer, Alfred Schnittke.
As a new era of openness dawned in the Soviet Union in the 1980s, the West was finally able to meet this shy, brilliant composer in person. Yet - with tragic irony - just as Schnittke was at last able to enjoy the public acclaim he deserved, he was struck down by the first of a series of crippling strokes.
Donald is joined by Alexander Ivashkin, the composer's friend and biographer, to discuss Schnittke's life and works during this period. Featuring a complete performance of one of his greatest - and most terrifying - works: the disturbing Faust Cantata.
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Music Played
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Alfred Schnittke
Klingende Buchstaben ("Sounding Letters"), for solo cello (1988)
Performer: Alexander Ivashkin (cello)
- NAXOS 8554728.
- 2.
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Alfred Schnittke
"Seid Nuchtern Und Wachet": Faust Cantata (1983)
Performer: Malmo Symphony Orchestra & Chorus Performer: James DePriest
- BIS CD437.
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Alfred Schnittke
Psalms of Repentance, for mixed choir (1988) (excerpts)
Performer: V. [O Man, Damned and Wretched] Performer: VI. [When They Saw The Ship That Suddenly Appeared] Performer: VII. [O My Soul, Why Art Thou Unafraid] Performer: Swedish Radio Choir Performer: Tönu Kalljuste
- ECM 4535132.
Broadcasts
- Thu 14 Jan 201012:00BBC Radio 3
- Thu 14 Jan 201022:00BBC Radio 3
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