Alfred Schnittke

Rating:
Summary: a good description of a remarkable life
Review: it is so difficult to find information about late 20th century composers. it is all the more remarkable when one finds a breezy, readable text devoted to the extraordinary life path taken by alfred schnittke. this book covers schnittke's upbringing, noth personally and musically. it is especially interesting as a study of the intrigue attendant to the title of "soviet composer". ironically enough, 60s soviet union was one of the few places where dissent and symphonic music were both taken seriously enough that forms of music could be deemed a threat. and, as this book details, schnittke dissented in more than merely his form of music. the book's major weakness is that it assumes a working knowledge of schnittke's music and its differences with other 20th century orchestral music. author ivashkin is himself an accomplished new zealand musician and what is second knowledge to him is not so well known to lay readers, such as myself, who can be fascinated by the lovely discordant wierdness which is schnittke. he does discuss the music quite a bit, though, and his style of never staying too long on any one compostition or life event is in keeping with the pace of modern life. it's not quite a beach book, but i found it a very easy read. recommended highly.

Rating:
Summary: A good survey for the lay reader, but too hagiographical
Review: Ivashkin's biography of Schnittke is one of a number of titles now issued in Phaidon's consistently interesting series of books on contemporary composers. Ivashkin's book is very readable, and combines a potted biography of the composer with an introductory explanation of his major works. The book will certainly add some valuable knowledge to those who have heard--and been impressed by--Schnittke's music, and does not assume more than a surface knowledge of 20th century idioms.

The author makes little attempt at detailed technical descriptions of Schnittke's compositions, which may prove a demerit for the more serious student of music. I do not regard this as a flaw in the book--it is aimed at the lay reader, as are all in the series--but there are two more major issues I have with this book:

Firstly, it was written too early to cover the composer's last years, and the surprising return to composition--despite Schnittke's almost total paralysis--that yielded several as yet unrecorded works in the composer's last 18 months. Secondly, and more seriously, Ivashkin's closeness to the composer prevents him being entirely objective. Schnittke was far from being the most consistent composer of the post-war period, but Ivashkin seems very loath to make critical remarks about Schnittke's compositions--even when such criticism seems (at least to me) to be entirely merited. In one or two cases Ivashkin also avoids criticising Schnittke the man, even as he hints at grounds for doing so.

I hope a better biography will come along soon, but this will do for now. It's rather less of a book than this important composer deserves, but anyone reading it will know more about Schnittke the man and Schnittke the composer than they did before they picked it up.

Rating:
Summary: A solid account of Schnittke's life, written by a friend
Review: Phaidon specializes in beautifully made books about modern composers, and this one is no exception. Ivashkin, a friend of the composer's, provides a fascinating account. He dramatizes Schnittke's ethnic, national, and religious complexity, making him seem like the quintessential composer of the late 20th century. He includes details about Schnittke's background, friends and colleagues (and enemies), and personal and social life that might have been unavailable to someone who didn't actually know the composer. The publisher throws in many photos and illustrations, which themselves tellingly portray Soviet life--both the context of and the counterpoint to Schnittke's varied music. I would have preferred somewhat more analysis of the music itself (much of the commentary verges on the anecdotal--fun to read but often insubstantial), and more careful proofreading would have saved the pages from some pretty obvious mistakes. Overall, however, this book offers an enjoyable evening's read, and includes a comprehensive work list and select discography for shoppers. Recommended.

Rating:
Summary: excellent Schnittke book
Review: This book is an excellent biography and overview of the music of Alfred Schnittke. The casual listener probably wouldn't be interested, but for those that love Schnittke's music this is a goldmine. It provides plenty of insight in the personal life of Schnittke and the events that helped shape his music. It details many of his personal political struggles (which would truly make comparisons to Shostakovich even clearer.)

There is also, of course, discussions on the music. No in depth analysis or anything, just good commentary on them. I don't have a musical education and the book was still quite enjoyable to me.

Another wonderful inclusion is the discography and the catalogue of works.

This will probably be the definative account of Schnittke's life (in English anyway.) One can only hope though that it will be updated as the book was written two years before Scnittke's death. I highly recommend this excellent book.

Rating:
Summary: excellent Schnittke book
Review: This book is an excellent biography and overview of the music of Alfred Schnittke. The casual listener probably wouldn't be interested, but for those that love Schnittke's music this is a goldmine. It provides plenty of insight in the personal life of Schnittke and the events that helped shape his music. It details many of his personal political struggles (which would truly make comparisons to Shostakovich even clearer.)

There is also, of course, discussions on the music. No in depth analysis or anything, just good commentary on them. I don't have a musical education and the book was still quite enjoyable to me.

Another wonderful inclusion is the discography and the catalogue of works.

This will probably be the definative account of Schnittke's life (in English anyway.) One can only hope though that it will be updated as the book was written two years before Scnittke's death. I highly recommend this excellent book.

Rating:
Summary: The book on Alfred Schnittke that you must have!
Review: This book is the perfect introduction to the life of the late composer. I learned many details about his upbringing and his influences. The author let sometimes his own grief about the soviet system and some of its members set on fire his style. But he made me miss even more the opportunity to meet with Schnittke as he was in Banff in Canada few years ago. Thanks to the author a biography exists. Sadly it will have to be updated.I wished articles by Schnittke would be available in english as well as a more exhaustive interpretive catalog of his work and recordings. Thanks to Phaidon for a superb volume!