Search - Schnittke, Tchistiakov, Orch Bolshoi Theatre :: Esquisses

Russian Delights

Kris De Ruysscher | Brussels, Belgium | 05/04/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Alfred Schnittke has always been the subject of controversy: his German roots were suspicious in the Soviet Union; his modernism rejected by Khrenikov and his apatatsjiks; his freedom in composition reactionary to Western avant-garde; his public success a thorn in the side of music critics. This CD encompasses all these reservations: from the politically incorrect citation of Rossini to the pre-serial melodic and virtuoso-playing, these esquisses [sketches] show a composer using all possible resources available to deliver his message. Yet a message implies a program, a philosophy of some sort. For Schnittke this would be to let go all dogmas that chain music. His music breathes the sweet smell of freedom. It used to be different. I've always found it strange to explain or report on music. It needs to be experienced at first hand. Contemporary classical music is a difficult subject to communicate. This however goes beyond it; the external form of the classical orchestra is about the only relic still standing. In rock music, you hear the blues and recognise the salute; in jazz, the evolution is also noticable. And in Schnittke, all possible styles are brilliantly melted into his own. Buy this CD, and do yourself a favour."