"The real event on this CD is the presentation of the [...] Trio by Alfred Schnittke [...] for example, the way the simple "Happy-Birthday" motif at the beginning is used to set off espressive, sometimes catastrophic Mahler reminiscences, is highly exciting, particularly as the musicians play it almost suggestively and with extreme emotional intensity, skill and bravura. [...] With this fascinatingly brilliant and meticulous production, Spreer has once again surpassed himself." (Stereoplay)
"... It (Schnittke) has been recorded several times; EMI's release, with Kremer, Bashmet, and Rostropovich is probably the best-known version. The Gaede Trio achieves greater sense of ensemble but still manages to project comparable drama and tension across the score's 29-minute span (...) The sound is superb, the program is unusual, and the playing is first-rate." (Fanfare)