Werner wrote:Now here's an oddity, Paul - and I imagine you must have googled it in the past - Schnittke is actually RUSSIAN!
Born in Russia - but his father was born in Germany into a family of Russian background - but all I've ever heard of him is as a Russian composer.
And as Schnittke - of whom I've heard some - and Petterson - whom I don't remember hearing - attain whatever ultimate status they may reach, they will not diminish the esteem in which any of their predecessors are held - and that's the great thing about the art of music.
Certainly a case could be made that Schnittke is russian, as I pointed out here months ago, that Alfred is neither all russian, nor all german. Neither by blood, not culture.
however as I hear his music, surely Shostakovich's influence is there, but as well Schnittke owes much to the german/ european avant garde influence. I hear Schnittke as 'german avant garde with russian influences".
Shostakovich is undisputedly russia finest composer. Which I did not wish to bring in Schnittke as second to Shostakovich, which he is not.
Schnittke is not pure russian as is Shostakovich.
Is that clear?
Argue all you wish, its the way I as an individual hear him. And this topi is about what the individual feels/believes.
Psalm 118:22 The Stone that the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone.
23 This is the Lord's doing , it is marvelous in our sight.