A Soviet composer of German descent, Alfred Garrievich Schnittke (1934-1998) composed for all genres in a bewildering array of styles, showing a talent reminiscent of Mahler or Shostakovich for wild shifts in tone and emotion in short spans of time. Though his music was viewed with suspicion by the Soviet state during much of his career, he was feted in Russia and buried with honors upon his death. As his health deteriorated in his later life, his music became sparser and less exuberant. His famous works include the Concerto Grosso No. 1, ten symphonies, the oratorio Nagasaki, his opera Life With an Idiot, and various soundtracks for films.