Symphony No. 3
Alfred Schnittke
Work background
Researched classical background
Schnittke wrote his Third Symphony for the new Gewandhaus in Leipzig. The score engages with German musical history, using motifs derived from composers' names within a large orchestral design. Historical allusions coexist with modern instrumental colours, including keyboards and electric instruments. The commission and the work's musical references give its many stylistic layers a specific cultural setting.
Inspiration and creative background
The Leipzig Gewandhaus commission prompted a work engaging with German musical history and composer-name motifs.
Pentatone: Schnittke Third Symphony
Gewandhaus commission, German musical history and composer-name motifs | Reviewed 2026-10-19
A listening guide
Listen for changes between historical-sounding orchestral gestures and modern instrumental colours.
Listening suggestions are editorial guides to the music.
Forces: Large orchestra with organ, harpsichord and electric instruments
Composition: 1981
This entry describes the musical work or cycle. Composition, premiere and publication dates describe different events. Performers and recordings can be explored through the external listening search.
Boosey & Hawkes: Schnittke Third Symphony
1981 composition and large orchestra with organ, harpsichord and electric instruments | Reviewed 2026-10-19
Pentatone: Schnittke Third Symphony
Gewandhaus commission, German musical history and composer-name motifs | Reviewed 2026-10-19
Sources for this work
Boosey & Hawkes: Schnittke Third Symphony
1981 composition and large orchestra with organ, harpsichord and electric instruments | Reviewed 2026-10-19
Pentatone: Schnittke Third Symphony
Gewandhaus commission, German musical history and composer-name motifs | Reviewed 2026-10-19
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