Immerse yourself in the intricate and captivating world of Alfred Schnittke's piano compositions with the comprehensive collection "Alfred Schnittke: Complete Piano Music." Released in 2014 by Delphian Records, this two-disc set encapsulates the entirety of Schnittke's published works for solo piano, offering a profound exploration of his minimalist style and innovative techniques.
Spanning over two and a half hours, the album features 36 tracks that showcase Schnittke's diverse musical language, from the contemplative and introspective to the energetic and virtuosic. The collection includes his three piano sonatas, each a journey through contrasting moods and tempos, as well as a variety of smaller pieces that highlight his unique approach to form and structure.
Simon Smith's masterful performances bring Schnittke's compositions to life, revealing the depth and complexity of the music. The album also includes a sonatina for piano duet and a piece for six hands at one keyboard, adding an extra layer of musical interplay and collaboration.
For those interested in the intersection of classical and contemporary music, this album is a treasure trove. Schnittke's works often incorporate elements of polystylism, blending different musical styles and eras into a cohesive whole. His cadenzas for Mozart's piano concertos, included in this collection, demonstrate his ability to reinterpret and expand upon the classical tradition.
Whether you're a longtime fan of Schnittke's music or a newcomer looking to explore his work, "Alfred Schnittke: Complete Piano Music" is an essential addition to your collection. It's a testament to the composer's genius and a fascinating journey through the landscape of 20th-century piano music.
(C) 2014 Delphian Records Ltd(P) 2014 Delphian Records Ltd
Tracks
Piano Sonata No. 1: I. LentoAlfred Schnittke, Simon Smith
Piano Sonata No. 1: II. AllegrettoAlfred Schnittke, Simon Smith
Piano Sonata No. 1: III. LentoAlfred Schnittke, Simon Smith
Piano Sonata No. 1: IV. AllegroAlfred Schnittke, Simon Smith
Piano Sonata No. 2: I. ModeratoAlfred Schnittke, Simon Smith
Piano Sonata No. 2: II. LentoAlfred Schnittke, Simon Smith
Piano Sonata No. 2: III. Allegro moderatoAlfred Schnittke, Simon Smith
Piano Sonata No. 3: I. LentoAlfred Schnittke, Simon Smith
Piano Sonata No. 3: II. AllegroAlfred Schnittke, Simon Smith
Piano Sonata No. 3: III. LentoAlfred Schnittke, Simon Smith
Piano Sonata No. 3: IV. AllegroAlfred Schnittke, Simon Smith
VariationsAlfred Schnittke, Simon Smith
Prelude and FugueAlfred Schnittke, Simon Smith
Improvisation and FugueAlfred Schnittke, Simon Smith
Variations on a ChordAlfred Schnittke, Simon Smith
Little Piano Pieces: I. Folk SongAlfred Schnittke, Simon Smith
Little Piano Pieces: II. In the MountainsAlfred Schnittke, Simon Smith
Little Piano Pieces: III. Cuckoo and WoodpeckerAlfred Schnittke, Simon Smith
Little Piano Pieces: IV. MelodyAlfred Schnittke, Simon Smith
Little Piano Pieces: V. TaleAlfred Schnittke, Simon Smith
Little Piano Pieces: VI. PlayAlfred Schnittke, Simon Smith
Little Piano Pieces: VII. Children's PieceAlfred Schnittke, Simon Smith
Little Piano Pieces: VIII. MarchAlfred Schnittke, Simon Smith
Homage to Igor Stravinsky, Sergei Prokofiev and Dmitri ShostakovichAlfred Schnittke, John Cameron, Richard Beauchamp, Simon Smith
Five Aphorisms: I. Moderato assaiAlfred Schnittke, Simon Smith
Five Aphorisms: II. AllegrettoAlfred Schnittke, Simon Smith
Five Aphorisms: III. LentoAlfred Schnittke, Simon Smith
Five Aphorisms: IV. Senza tempoAlfred Schnittke, Simon Smith
Five Aphorisms: V. GraveAlfred Schnittke, Simon Smith
Sonatina for Piano (Four Hands)Alfred Schnittke, Richard Beauchamp, Simon Smith
Cadenza to Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 24 in C Minor, K. 491: First Movement - 1975Alfred Schnittke, Simon Smith
Two Cadenzas to Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 21 in C Major, K. 467: ... to first movement - 1980Alfred Schnittke, Simon Smith
Two Cadenzas to Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 21 in C Major, K. 467: ... to third movement - 1980Alfred Schnittke, Simon Smith
Cadenza to Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 25 in C Major, K. 503: First Movement - 1983Alfred Schnittke, Simon Smith
Two Cadenzas to Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 2 in B-Flat Major, K. 39: ... to first movement - 1990Alfred Schnittke, Simon Smith
Two Cadenzas to Mozart’s Piano Concerto No 2 in B flat major, K39: ... to third movement - 1990Alfred Schnittke, Simon Smith