The Composer

1934 – Alfred Schnittke was born on 24th November in Engels (capital of the former Wolga-German Republic), his father is a journalist and his mother a German teacher.

1941 – During a visit to his grandparents in Moscow Alfred Schnittke is registered at a central music school, but the outbreak of war prevents the education. Return to Engels.

1946–1948 – Move to Vienna. He begins his musical education in Vienna, studies piano with Charlotte Ruber, attends opera performances and concerts, first compositions.

1948–1953 – Move to Valentinowka near Moskau. Studies choral conducting at a music school, studies piano and takes lessons in music theory.

1953–1958 – Studies at [...]