Alfred Schnittke (1934-1998) was a Russian composer of towering originality who synthesized modernism, Romanticism, and Russian tradition into something entirely his own. His Concerti Grossi employ the baroque concerto grosso form as framework for twentieth-century expression. This recording features violinist Gidon Kremer, pianist András Schiff, and conductor Christoph von Dohnányi—a stellar ensemble capable of navigating Schnittke's demanding idiom. The music juxtaposes melodic beauty with dissonance, sincere emotion with harsh irony, creating a singular aesthetic. Schnittke's post-modern approach quotes and layers disparate musical worlds into a coherent statement. These are not comfortable listening works, but they reward attentive ears with profound substance—both intellectual and emotional. Essential for those interested in contemporary classical music and in exploring Schnittke's unique compositional voice.