Shostakovich's Symphony No. 5

Stalin and the Soviet regime hailed Dmitri Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 5 as a heroic celebration of the USSR.  In reality, it damned the cruel communist regime that crushed the human soul and murdered millions. 

He said: “The rejoicing is forced, created under threat. It’s as if someone were beating you with a stick, saying ‘Your business is rejoicing, your business is rejoicing’, and you rise up, shaky, and go marching off, muttering, ‘Our business is rejoicing.’ Stalin liked it because he thought Shostakovich was glorifying him, not realizing the composer’s true intent! (How Shostakovich Survived to Protest Stalin’s Anti-Semitism)

If you’re like me and you don’t automatically “get” classical music, here is a read-ahead to orient you to the historical context and what each of the four movements are about: Dmitri Shostakovich – Symphony No. 5

There is also a two-minute YouTube video that captures the time quite nicely:  Shostakovich’s 5th Symphony

I have enjoyed a live performance of this symphony, and it is indeed emotion and moving. I hope you enjoy and appreciate it.