Dmitri Shostakovich

A 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/w
atch?v=OZhtbQh1s28

Trials in the Soviet

Stalin and the Soviet had very tight reins on

the music that was played during
Shostakovichs time

Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk

Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk, was Shostakovichs 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 didnt correctly reflect the Soviet spirit.

Stalin also imprisoned many members of Shostakovichs 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=T1h1NJM
Ktnc

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)

Symphony number 9, censored and not released by the Soviet

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

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 Stalins Death

Stalins 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 hadnt 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-celloconcerto-no-1/>.

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