description Schnittke: Concerto Grosso No. 1 Overview
Concerto Grosso No. 1 is a six-movement work by Russian composer Alfred Schnittke, completed in 1977 for two violins, harpsichord, prepared piano, and string orchestra. The piece is one of the clearest demonstrations of Schnittke's polystylistic technique, in which baroque gestures, tonal passages, and modernist dissonance collide within a single work, including direct quotations from Corelli. Written for the violinist Gidon Kremer, who premiered it, the composition played a significant role in establishing Schnittke's international reputation.
help Schnittke: Concerto Grosso No. 1 FAQ
What musical technique is Alfred Schnittke's Concerto Grosso No. 1 known for?
Completed in 1977, the six-movement piece is one of the most famous examples of Schnittke's 'polystylistic' technique. It famously blends austere modern music with sudden shifts into baroque pastiche and even tango rhythms.
What instruments are required to perform Concerto Grosso No. 1?
The piece is scored for two solo violins, a harpsichord, piano, celesta, and a prepared piano, alongside a string orchestra. The juxtaposition of traditional baroque instruments with modern prepared piano creates its signature eerie sound.
Who premiered Alfred Schnittke's Concerto Grosso No. 1?
The concerto was written specifically for the Russian violinists Gidon Kremer and Tatiana Grindenko, who served as the soloists. They premiered the work in Leningrad (now St. Petersburg) in the late 1970s.
Is Concerto Grosso No. 1 a long composition?
The piece consists of six distinct movements, running for roughly half an hour in total. It requires intense concentration from the audience due to its abrupt shifts in musical style and haunting dissonance.
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