davidjohnson

Matsov cites one of Shostakovich's landmark compositions, his Seventh Symphony, as a prime example. The piece has always been associated with the Siege of Leningrad, when Nazi troops blockaded the Russian city and 1.7 million people died . But many scholars believe the symphony was written before World War II, and in reality was a condemnation of the Stalin regime.

manny:

from another site. do you know anything about this idea?

dj

Manny Laureano

Well, much of what Shostakovitch wrote had another story other than the "official" version and he often indicted Stalin and his regime with his music. As to the timing of it's composition, I'm not sure. I know that Bartok borowed the idea in order to further insult Nazis in his Concerto for Orchestra. People say he was lampooning Shostakovitch but he wasn't.

ML

davidjohnson

thanks

dj

robertwhite

I'm curious to know where you learned of this. Care to share?

Thanks,
Bob

MahlerBrass

The piece was written in 1941 while Shostakovich was actually in Leningrad during the siege, he escaped and completed the symphony, but a good portion of it was actually written during the event, according to certain articles I've read before on this symphony, it wasn't entirely written on what Nazi Germany did to Leningrad, but more so what Stalin had destroyed, and what Hitler had finished. Seeing as how the piece itself was planned before the war even started, we can't really say that the siege of his city is entirely the reason he wrote it, although it might explain that wicked invasion theme ;)

Manny Laureano

Bob,

It was during a rehearsal with Roberto Abbado where he took a moment to talk to us about it. Always a very interesting conductor to work with for that reason... intellectual yet rich of interpretation.

ML

robertwhite

Interesting. Thanks!