Includes the world première recording of Alfred Schnittke s posthumous last work. Schnittke s ultimate symphony is paired with a work by Alexander Raskatov, the composer picked by Schnittke s widow to complete the 9th symphony. A must-have for anyone interested in Schnittke s music and an intriguing document of artistic independence beyond schools and trends. Performances of highest artistic standards bringing together long-standing figureheads of ECM s New Series in the form of Dennis Russell Davies and the Hilliard Ensemble. CD-package includes an illustrated 28-page booklet with an essay by Helmut Peters on the genesis of the manuscript and an interview with Alexander Raskatov in English and German