What is Shostakovich most famous piece?
The “Leningrad” Symphony is one of Shostakovich’s major works, and its Leningrad premiere was a major cultural moment in the Soviet Union during World War II. The city and its citizens had been under brutal siege by the Nazis for more than a year by the time the symphony had its Leningrad premiere in 1942.
Was Shostakovich in Leningrad during the siege?
The Siege of Leningrad was recorded not only in books but also in music. A resident in Leningrad at the time was composer Dmitri Shostakovich. He began work on a symphony immediately after the attack began, expressing his thoughts on Soviet life and the ability of his people to defeat the fascists.
How long is Shostakovich 7th symphony?
It is still not quite music of victory, but at least of survival. Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 7, is indeed a work of heroic scope, roughly an hour in length and with an orchestra well supplied with additional winds and percussion.
Why did Shostakovich write Leningrad?
Dmitri Shostakovich had intended the piece to be premièred by the Leningrad Philharmonic Orchestra, but because of the siege, that group was evacuated from the city, as was the composer himself. The world première of the symphony was held on 5 March 1942 in Kuybyshev with the Bolshoi Theatre Orchestra.
Why was Shostakovich banned?
In 1948, Shostakovich, along with many other composers, was again denounced for formalism in the Zhdanov decree. Andrei Zhdanov, Chairman of the RSFSR Supreme Soviet, accused Shostakovich and other composers (such as Sergei Prokofiev and Aram Khachaturian) for writing inappropriate and formalist music.
Was Shostakovich depressed?
During the Depression his influence was strongest. Even so, the composer could not always keep in the good graces of the Communist party.
When did Shostakovich write his 7th Symphony?
December 27, 1941
Symphony No. 7/Composed
Was Shostakovich a nationalist?
The 1939 commission followed Shostakovich’s first denouncement by the Communist Party, in particular due to the “immoral” 1932 opera Lady Macbeth of the Mtsensk District. Fearing for his life, this led to a conservative and more patriotic turn for the composer (the 1937 Fifth Symphony in particular).
Was Shostakovich a Communist?
Joining the Party. The year 1960 marked another turning point in Shostakovich’s life: he joined the Communist Party. The government wanted to appoint him General Secretary of the Composers’ Union, but in order to hold that position he was required to attain Party membership.
What instrument did Shostakovich play?
piano
A musical prodigy of the mid-20th century, Shostakovich studied piano at the Petrograd Conservatory from 1919-1925. He earned early international acclaim with his graduation piece, Symphony No. 1.
Who composed Leningrad?
Dmitri Shostakovich
Symphony No. 7/Composers
What did Stalin say about Shostakovich?
‘ Stalin liked it because he thought Shostakovich was glorifying him, not realizing the composer’s true intent! The government dubbed the symphony “A constructive creative answer of a Soviet artist to well deserved criticism”. Stalin accepted it and never caught on to Shostakovich’s trick.
When was Symphony No.7 by Dmitri Shostakovich made?
Symphony No. 7 (Shostakovich) Dmitri Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 7 in C major, Op. 60, titled Leningrad, was completed in Samara in December 1941 and premiered in that city on March 5, 1942.
Which is the shortest movement of Shostakovich’s Symphony?
The short coda presents the invasion theme one last time, played by a solo trumpet and percussion. II. Moderato (poco allegretto) This is the symphony’s shortest movement. Shostakovich referred to it as both a scherzo and a lyric intermezzo. It begins in the latter vein with a quiet, playful theme in the strings.
Why did Dmitri Shostakovich sleep in his hallway?
Shostakovich would occasionally sleep in his hallway so that when, as opposed to if the secret police arrived, it would not upset his family. Living with that ‘when’ is as inconceivable as the impossibility of expressing grief. Anyone publicly seen or overheard to be unhappy was simply removed from society.
What does flute solo in Shostakovich symphony represent?
The strength, freedom and individuality of the strings, representing the Soviet people, pitted against the brutal, machine-like rhythms of the trumpets and timpani – their enemies. A flute solo invites us into a dreamlike atmosphere of total serenity, peace and calm.