Dmitri Shostakovich is arguably the greatest composer of the 20th century. There is not a musical form he couldn’t write for. But his brilliance made him an easy target in Stalin’s Soviet Union, especially when ruled by a dictator who fancied himself an aesthete. His lifelong battle was to preserve his artistic integrity at the same time as avoiding the gulag and execution. Amid intolerable suffering, he somehow composed some of the most powerful and sublime comforts for others who suffer.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit
englishlabri.substack.com
English L'Abri