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BBC Radio 3 is a radio channel that started transmitting on the 30th September 1967. It replaced Third Programme.

BBC Radio 3

Radio 3

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Composer of the Week

Music: Classical

Composer of the Week - Brand

An informative guide to composers' lives and their music.

An informative and accessible guide to composers' lives and their music.

Composer of the Week: Alfred Schnittke (1934-1998)

Composer of the Week: Alfred Schnittke (1934-1998): Episode 2

Episode 2

Alfred Schnittke (1934-1998)

BBC Radio 3 - Composer of the Week, Alfred Schnittke (1934-1998), Episode 2

Presented by Donald Macleod. Schnittke's polystylism and extraordinary First Symphony.

Donald Macleod presents Schnittke's 'polystylistic' music of the 1960s and 70s, including his astonishing First Symphony.

Donald Macleod presents a celebration of the music of the USSR's last great composer, Alfred Schnittke.

In the 1960s and 70s, Schnittke developed a unique style he termed 'polystylism' - the weaving of layer upon layer of subtle allusions, creating a world where everything has a hidden, suppressed meaning.

This technique perfectly captured life under the cosh of Soviet Communism, where messages were frequently disguised in layers of codes and doublespeak. Donald is joined by Alexander Ivashkin to present a selection of Schnittke's first polystylistic works, culminating in an extended excerpt from his astonishing First Symphony - a piece that takes the symphonic form to its very limit.

Live music and the arts: broadcasts more live music than any other radio network. Classical music is its core. Genres include world and new music, jazz, speech and drama.

Donald Macleod celebrates the work of Alfred Schnittke, the USSR's last great composer

Donald Macleod and Russian music expert Alexander Ivashkin explore the work of Alfred Schnittke, the USSR's last great composer. He was an enigmatic man and had a very individual musical style

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Composer of the Week

Alfred Schnittke (1934-1998)

Episode 2

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