Apparitions in Alfred Schnittke’s Sonata No. 2 (quasi una Sonata)

Abstract

This dissertation explores the apparitions present in Alfred Schnittke’s (1934-1998) Sonata No. 2 (quasi una Sonata) (1968). These apparitions, in the form of quotation, allusion and musical monograms, will be examined and defined. The Glass Harmonica (1968), an animated film by Andrei Khrzhanovsky, features a film score by Alfred Schnittke that preceded Sonata No. 2 and uses similar material, both musically and conceptually. Exploring the apparitions present in Schnittke’s Sonata will reveal both the meaning behind them as well as the larger reasons for their inclusion.