Symphony No. 2, St Florian
Alfred Schnittke
Work background
Researched classical background
Schnittke framed his Second Symphony in six sections corresponding to the Ordinary of the Mass. Voices present liturgical material while the orchestra supplies a much larger surrounding musical argument. The subtitle names the Austrian monastery associated with Bruckner. The work consequently brings the symphony and sacred vocal tradition into close contact without becoming a conventional concert Mass.
A listening guide
Compare the relatively direct choral statements with the surrounding orchestral textures.
Listening suggestions are editorial guides to the music.
Forces: Vocal soloists, mixed chorus and large orchestra
Composition: 1979
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.
Also known as: St Florian Symphony; St. Florian
Boosey & Hawkes: Schnittke Symphony No.2 St Florian
1979 work, voices, scoring and Mass structure | Reviewed 2026-10-19
Sources for this work
Boosey & Hawkes: Schnittke Symphony No.2 St Florian
1979 work, voices, scoring and Mass structure | Reviewed 2026-10-19
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