Symphony No. 3
1 I. Moderato 13:59
2 II. Allegro 12:46
3 III. Allegro pesante 8:05
4 IV. Adagio 18:41
Composed By – Alfred Schnittke
Conductor – Gennadi Rozhdestvensky
Orchestra – The USSR Ministry Of Culture Orchestra
Recorded in 1984.
Over the last 15 years Alfred Schnittke (b. 1934) has created a number of large-form works: four symphonies, a stage composition called "Yellow Sound" to a libretto by Vasili Kandinsky, the orchestra version of his "In memoriam" piano quintet, Requiem, the cantata "History of Dr. Johann Faust", 3rd and 4th Concertos for Violin and Orchestra, Concertos for Piano, Viola, Cello and Orchestra, three Concerti Grossi.
The 3rd Symphony is the most monumental among Alfred Schnittke's symphonic works. As in the first two symphonies, the composer resorts to the enlarged orchestra adding also a full range of keyboard instruments (the organ, harpsichord, piano, celesta) as well as a guitar and bass-guitar. Besides, the conventional instruments and instrumental groups are used with an utmost intensiveness. The sound palette is extremely detailed: the orchestra is turned into a multistrata ensemble made up of various timbres, each line with its own expressive value.
The subject matter of Schnittke's 3rd Symphony deals with the destinies of the classical symphony, with the ideas of the classical outlook — of a clear, harmonious, rational relation of man to reality.
The Symphony was written on the occasion of the Leipzig "Gewandthaus" orchestra jubilee and opening of the new "Gewandt-haus" concert hall. The premiere took place in Leipzich, November 5, 1981 conducted by Kurt Masur with a tremendous success. In the Soviet Union the Symphony was first performed by the USSR Ministry of Culture Symphony Orchestra directed by G. Rozhdestvensky, autumn 1982. The composition quickly won popularity: it was also played in Prague (under G. Rozhdestvensky), Helsinki (E. Kias), Tbilisi (J. Kakhidze), Riga (V. Sinaisky).
Recording Schnittke's 3rd Symphony is a most difficult task — the unique multi-part complex polyphony of the score requires a special skill from the recording engineer. I. Veprintsev and E. Buneyeva recorded the Symphony in the "Druzhba" sport hall with the help of a 24-channel tape-recorder which enabled them to clearly trace the line of each instrument and thus recreate the sound impression conceived by the author.
If you are a fan of polyphony then you will love this. Excellent quality, no pops, or clicks. Quite outstanding. Thank you uploader for your attention to detail. It is appreciated. :love
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