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"A Soviet artist's response to just criticism"
Dmitri Shostakovich (1906-1975), the Russian composer known for his many symphonies, chamber works, and concerti studied piano and composition at a young age. He achieved more success as a composer, and therefore, his public piano performances were often of his own pieces. As one of the most significant musical figures of the 20th century, his compositions widely varied in terms of style and emotion.
Shostakovich composed his Symphony No. 5 in D Minor during a time when a fine line between censorship and artistic expression existed under Joseph Stalin’s regime. In fact, Shostakovich’s music was under attack throughout the Soviet Union in 1936 when Stalin did not like his opera–Lady Macbeth of the Mtsensk District–and walked out before the final act, despite being received positively overseas in the United States and Europe. Therefore, Shostakovich’s fifth symphony was pivotal in his career as it had to balance his artistic integrity with what the authorities would approve. It was referred to as “a Soviet artist’s response to just criticism.”
Shostakovich’s Fifth premiered on November 21, 1937, by the Leningrad Philharmonic Orchestra and was considered a major success by both audiences and critics alike. Even today, it is one of his most played symphonies.
