Passacaglia for orchestra

• Date: 1979 -1980
• Composer: Alfred Schnittke
• Period: Contemporary (1950- )

Review

The composer has written about this piece as a reaction to wonderment at the nature of waves, how their shape and nature are indelible, while "the sea never reveals its structure to us." Originally intended for orchestra and tape, the composer was forced to contend with the limited electronic resources available in Moscow in 1979 - 1980, so no way of completing the score as Schnittke envisioned it was available. At this time, there was no opportunity to go to Western Europe to complete the work, due to political tensions. Instead of the score being compromised, it reveals the astonishing craft of the composer, who managed to capture many, if not all the intended effects, through the orchestra alone. By description alone, some listeners may jump to the conclusion that the result will resemble a Debussyian, impressionist style loosely derived from the early twentieth century composer's La Mer, but the effect is more attuned to the sound of Olivier Messiaen, though clearly Russian. Schnittke also manages to stratify the Messiaenic and Russian sounds so that they work concurrently. This is part of a technique he has referred to as polystylism, though normally this manner of writing is reserved for humorous effect. His Passacaglia is not; it is alarming and cathartic.

Schnittke is not a cutting-edge composer, but his voice is distinct. He manages to create sounds that have a heavenly quality in this piece, gradually ascending in a way that barely resembles many previous orchestral accomplishments, wherein inert sheens of strings amass into cerebral heights, creating an atmosphere that is as pensive as it is ecstatic. Expressive tension is clearly his strong suit, sometimes reminiscent of Charles Ives' explosions of national conscience, almost to unwieldy degrees. Audiences should not look forward to being comforted, but there is little to dislike about this composition. It is fluid, interesting, and possessing. ~ John Keillor, Rovi

Albums with Complete Performances of the Work

Title	Date
Alfred Schnittke: Ritual; (K)ein Sommernachtstraum; Passacaglia; Seid nüchtern und wachet (Faust Cantata); etc.	1989

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