Shostakovich Symphony No. 5, Part 1
Sticky Notes: The Classical Music Podcast
00:00
Schusterkowich's Carmen
The second movement of the symphony is a scaritzo, but a name only. Not since Beethoven has a rhythmic motive been so much a part of one of my descriptions of a symphonic movement. Unlike Beethoven though, Schusterkowich doesn't use just one motive for his ostinato and instead he varies it across the movement. The effect is haunting, forlorn, and in the end of the movement almost detached as it drifts away. This movement is about as far away from triumphant and jingoistic as it could possibly be.
Transcript
Play full episode
