Dmitri ShostakovichA Sound for the Soviet

BY: ZACKERY BARKER

SLCC STUDENT 2014

MUSIC 1010

Early Life

• 1906- Born in St. Petersburg, Russia

• Father was a civil servant of the Soviet Union

• Mother was a pianist at the Leningrad Conservatory.

• Began music study at the age of nine

Early Career

• Played piano at silent films during his studies to support himself.

• Shostakovich released his first piece Symphony No. 1 at the age of 19 on May 12th, 1926.

• Soon after he released his Piano Concerto No. 1.

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZhtbQh1s28

Trials in the Soviet

Stalin and the Soviet had very tight reins on the music that was played during Shostakovich’s time

Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk

• Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk, was Shostakovich’s first opera and at first was seen in a positive light

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2SS1h1SVVaw

• Stalin decided to ban the opera because it didn’t correctly reflect the Soviet spirit.

• Stalin also imprisoned many members of Shostakovich’s family

Mid-Life Works

After the ban his Opera Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk, Shostakovich had a rough time getting back up.

However He made his comeback with his 5th symphony, in which his work showed the true spirit of the Soviet, in which the work finishes with a patriotic and triumphant finish. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T1h1NJMKtnc

He also became a professor in order to prove his worth and support of the Soviet.

Works Banned or un-released

Shostakovich had a close watch on him, many of his works were banned, such as: Opera, Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk

Symphony number 4, (released at a later time)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cx5UaMr9V-Y

Symphony number 9, censored and not released by the Soviet

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MwoApMlAG6w

symphony number 13

Shostakovich apologized for his works however he continued to write pieces similar to these.

After Stalin’s Death Stalin’s death in 1953, made room for

more creativity and works from Shostakovich and others.

The Symphony number 10 was to show his thoughts of life under Stalin. Symphony Number 10: Allegro

This Piece may be one of the view without outside influential influences.

Cello Concerto No. 1

1959- Released his Cello Concerto No.1 This was a time where Stalin was no longer an

influence and he hadn’t yet joined the communist party

Representation of his DSCH Motif

A four movement piece, Each piece has a possible theme. 1 anger and vengeance

2 feeling of uneasiness and mixed feelings

Solo cadenza – speed hastens and emotions rise

4 rise in vengeance again with a triumphant ending.

DSCH Motif

Russian notation spells his name/ motto D for Dmitri

SCH for his last name

German notation D,E#,C,B

This was a way to possibly place himself in the song and his reactions to the other pieces of the song.

DSCH motif used in the melody of his Cello Concerto No. 1 Cello concerto no. 1- listen to the first notes, this is the Motif

Sorrow in his last days 1960- joins the Communist Party Writes pieces for the people, but

continues to add his touch of darkness

Personal life is a mess Poor physical health, continuous

visits to the hospital His 2nd marriage ends and he

proposes to other women but they reject him

Loved ones and family members die

Final pieces His pieces reflect the despair and attitude he

had. Symphony no. 13 is banned and censored

Symphony No. 14 is very sad and sorrowful Symphony No. 14 video

Tries to get Lady Macbeth approved Approved by the government after

adjustments were made

A Happy Ending

Remarries and remains married until the end of his life and seems happy

Final pieces reflect happiness and a sense of peace Still reflect his other works and do give a sense of despair or darkness nonetheless

His final piece is op 147, sonata for Viola and Piano Final Piece

Bibliography

"Dmitri Shostakovich." Dmitri Shostakovich: a life|Classic FM. 1 Jan. 2014. Web. 6 Oct. 2014. <http://www.classicfm.com/composers/shostakovich/guides/dmitri-shostakovich-life/

 

Fanning, David (text), and Laurel E. Fay (work-list, bibliography): ‘Shostakovich, Dmitry’, Grove Music Online ed. L. Macy (Accessed 31 May 2007), http://www.grovemusic.com

 

Fay, Laurel E.  Shostakovich: A Life.  New York: Oxford University Press, 2000.

 

Koob, Lindsay. "Shostakovich Cello Concerto No. 1." Shostakovich Cello Concerto No. 1. Delos Productions Inc., 18 July 2013. Web. 6 Oct. 2014. <http://www.delosmusic.com/shostakovich-cello-concerto-no-1/>.

 

Unknown. "Dmitry Shostakovich." Dmitry Shostakovich. Music Academy Online. Web. 5 Oct. 2014. <http://www.musicacademyonline.com/composer/biographies.php?bid=133>.