Alfred Schnittke - Schnittke: Piano Concerto, 5 Aphorisms & Gogol Suite (LP)

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Alfred Schnittke's "Piano Concerto, 5 Aphorisms & Gogol Suite," a compelling collection of works that showcases the composer's unique and controversial style. Released on August 7, 2015, under the Piano Classics label, this album is a testament to Schnittke's ability to draw inspiration from diverse sources and styles, creating a sound that is both profound and thought-provoking.

The album features the Concerto for Piano and Strings, dedicated to V. Krainev in 1979, a piece that exemplifies Schnittke's ability to blend the banal with the sublime. The 5 Aphorisms for piano solo offer a series of short, introspective pieces that highlight the composer's minimalist tendencies. The Gogol Suite, arranged for two pianos by N. Borovikov, is a collection of music from the theater production "Revizskaya Tale," inspired by the works of Nikolai Gogol.

Performances by Russian pianist Denys Proshayev, along with Nadia Mokhtari and Aleksandr Dmitriyev, bring these works to life with a sense of depth and nuance. The album's duration of 1 hour and 2 minutes provides a substantial exploration of Schnittke's musical landscape, making it a rewarding listen for both newcomers and longtime fans of his work.

Schnittke's music is known for its spiritual and philosophical depth, and this album is no exception. The pieces within are highly controversial, drawing from a wide range of sources and styles, and alternating between the banal and the sublime. This album is a must-listen for anyone interested in contemporary classical music and the works of Alfred Schnittke.