I got to give this album a try. I have his 6th Symphony which I like, but like you, I'm not really a Schnittke fan. Thanks for sharing that.
Yes, it's my favorite Schnittke recording. I also like his Symphonies 0, 6, 8, the Viola Concerto,
Peer Gynt, PC 1, and a few other works. His expressionistic style isn't exactly "easy" listening for me, but the raw power and emotional intensity of his music is never in doubt.
I wouldn't want to listen to too much Schnittke in a row, nor if I was depressed ;D
....but I do agree about the "raw power and emotional intensity" of the music. Schnittke always strikes me-in the same way as Allan Pettersson as a tortured soul.