For the first time, the successful series of BR-KLASSIK audio biographies is devoting itself to a 20th-century composer: Dmitri Shostakovich. His symphonies are still highlights in the concert hall, and his fate has inspired great novels. But what do we really know about his life? He liked to play his cards close to his chest – and had good reason to do so...
Dmitri Shostakovich himself claimed that his life was “rather grey and colourless". In reality, it was the most exciting composer's life of the 20th century. Revolution and civil war, Stalin's murderous terror, then the Second World War, the "thaw" under Khrushchev and finally Brezhnev's brutalist socialism: the whole tragic history of the Soviet Union runs like a thread through his work. As a functionary who seemed to be loyal to the party line, he played along - but his music spoke against the regime and in favour of its victims and of the freedom of art. "This is a game that can end badly," Stalin threatened, probably in person. Shostakovich was thus obliged to fight his own fears as well. He was playing a double game - and knew it was dangerous.
This audio biography draws on many sources, some of them still little-known in Germany. The result is a comprehensive, colourful and detailed picture of the composer’s life, and contains several surprises – also with regard to his private life, which should not pale behind the historical panorama. Like every great composer, Shostakovich had his crises and affairs, his great sufferings and small joys.
Ultimately, what counts most is the music. Unlike any biography in book form, this audio biography allows us to follow Shostakovich's creative path by means of around 160 musical examples. That path is followed in its entirety – from the first piano pieces by the sensitive young boy to the shattering death music of the older man. In addition to the well-known works, we also hear music from the "roaring twenties", the propaganda pieces written for Stalin, and the secret music with which Shostakovich mocked him. In addition, we experience how the composer used ciphers, quotations and subtle allusions to integrate hidden messages into his works.
Udo Wachtveitl once again assumes the role of narrator, and well-known Berlin actor and audiobook narrator Ulrich Matthes plays the title role. Shostakovich's friends and enemies, the rulers, victims and chroniclers of the Soviet regime, are all brought to life by further excellent speakers.
As a bonus, the CD box set includes the recording of Symphony No. 5 by the Symphonieorchester des Bayerischen Rundfunks under its former principal conductor Mariss Jansons.
Extra material for download
