Dmitry Shostakovich (1906-1975)

Donald Macleod explores the turbulent life of Dmitry Shostakovich, and asks the ultimate question: Who was he? A faithful Soviet lackey… or a secret dissident?

Dmitry Shostakovich, like his home country of Russia, was a riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma. From the very beginning of his career, he pushed the boundaries, but under Stalin’s stifling regime, experimental artists were enemies of the state, and Shostakovich was at the top of the wanted list. The composer was forced to censor his work and betray his own morals to survive - or was he?

Some say Shostakovich was Stalin’s faithful lackey; others read dissident messages in his music. This week, Donald Macleod traces five turning points in the composer's career, we start with his First Symphony. Admitted to the Conservatoire while still just a child and battling ill health, his debut made a splash for all the right reasons – and the wrong ones too. Then we hear about the fateful night that Stalin paid a visit to the opera, and Shostakovich’s career as a composer was changed forever. After denouncing his music, Stalin offered Shostakovich an opportunity to rescue his reputation however, it comes at great personal cost. The death of Stalin should have meant rebirth for Shostakovich, but once again he finds himself backed into a corner, forced to make a decision that shocks and mystifies those closest to him.

Music Featured:

Piano Concerto No. 2 In F Major, Op. 102: II. Andante Symphony No. 1 in F Minor, Op. 10: II. Allegro Symphony No. 1 in F Minor, Op. 10: IV. Allegro molto Symphony No. 2 in B Major, Op. 14 “To October” The Nose, Op. 15, Act 2: Scene 6 Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk District, Op. 29, Act 2: Scene 5 Symphony No. 4 in C minor, Op. 43: I. Allegretto poco moderato Symphony No. 5 in D Minor, Op 47: IV. Allegro non troppo Violin Concerto No. 1 In A Minor, Op. 99: I. Nocturne. Moderato From Jewish Folk Poetry, Op.79: III. Lullaby Piano Trio No. 2 in E minor, Op. 67: IV. Allegretto Symphony No. 10 in E Minor, Op. 93: IV. Andante – Allegro The Gadfly Suite, Op. 97a: VII. Introduction String Quartet String Quartet No. 7 In F. Sharp Minor, Op.108: I Allegretto Hamlet Suite, Op. 116a: Ophelia's Insanity String Quartet No. 8 in C Minor, Op. 110: I. Largo Symphony No. 13 in B-Flat Minor, Op. 113 “Babi Yar”: IV. Fears

Presented by Donald Macleod Produced by Alice McKee

For full track listings, including artist and recording details, and to listen to the pieces featured in full (for 30 days after broadcast) head to the series page for Fryderyk Chopin (1810-1849) https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001fdx8

And you can delve into the A-Z of all the composers we’ve featured on Composer of the Week here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/3cjHdZlXwL7W41XGB77X3S0/composers-a-to-z