Posted on 06/10/2020 6:20:01 PM PDT by BigEdLB
Yes fascinating. I referenced “Learners Manual“. Ever hear it?
His Second Waltz alone is evidence of genius.
It’s interesting you mentioned that waltz.
I often wonder how Shostakovich’s art would have matured had he been fortunate enough to defect to the West.
We usually associate Shostakovich with intense music like his 15 string quartets, reflecting the anguish he experienced practicing his art while staying one step ahead of the Soviet secret police.
But the waltz you mentioned and other pieces like the Festival Overture — a great favorite of mine — show that Shostakovich could compose in a variety of styles.
You know the legend about the “Tahiti Trot,” the master’s superb arrangement of Vincent Youman’s “Tea for Two.” Supposedly, Shostakovich knocked it out in less than an hour on a friendly dare. Whether he pocketed a few rubles from the deal, I don’t know.
Perhaps if Shostakovich had defected he would have been a great success writing for the musical theater. He did score some Soviet movies, and did it quite well. But what a career Golden Age Hollywood might have given him — he could have given Max Steiner, Miklos Rosza, and Dmitri Tiomkin some serious competition.
Thanks for the background. All I recall was my losing my breath long ago when I first listened to #2.
It has been recorded, in both Russian and English. I wonder how Tikhon Khrennikov liked the taste of Stalin’s poop
Used to listen to the Shostakovich 5th every night one summer. I still remember the white chiffon curtain still fluttering in the breeze from the open window, alternating with the light of the alley streetlight nearby sending approval through oak leaves rustling nearby. The bells at the end of one movement and the constant tones of violins, timpani and the rest of the brass and winds at the last finale spoke to the composer’s pain and sense of victory. It was a study in contrast: music, curtains, light, rustling leaves-creating a painting in the darkness of a summer night.
This was long ago now.
I’ve always wanted to conduct that symphony.
Almost went to see that Buddha. I wanted to see where Merv had been.
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