When and where was Alfred Schnittke born?
Alfred Schnittke was born in Engels on the 24th of November 1934. His family moved to Vienna in 1946 when his father received a posting there.
Questions about Alfred Schnittke
Short answers, pulled from the story.
What musical style did Alfred Schnittke develop later in his career?
A new style emerged called polystylism where Schnittke combined various musical styles. He once stated his goal was to unify serious music and light music even if it broke his neck.
Why did officials ban Alfred Schnittke from traveling outside the Soviet Union?
After he abstained from a Composers' Union vote in 1980, officials banned him from traveling outside the Soviet Union. The bureaucracy viewed both him and his music with deep suspicion throughout his career.
When did Alfred Schnittke officially convert to Catholicism?
Schnittke began seeking solace in Catholicism after his mother died in 1972. He officially converted on the 18th of June 1983.
How many film scores did Alfred Schnittke produce over three decades?
He produced nearly 70 film scores over three decades. Schnittke taught composition at the Moscow Conservatory until 1972 while earning most income from these film scores.