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Babi Yar Massacre
- In September 1941, over 30,000 Jews were murdered at Babi Yar in Ukraine.
- This massacre, the largest single massacre of Jews up to that point in WWII, was initially covered up by both the Nazis and the Soviets.
Inspiration for Symphony #13
- Shostakovich's Symphony No. 13 was inspired by Yevgeny Yevtushenko's poem "Babi Yar."
- The poem's bravery in addressing the massacre moved Shostakovich to set it to music.
First Movement Controversy
- The first movement, "Babi Yar," was the most controversial due to its condemnation of anti-Semitism.
- Shostakovich used unusual orchestration, including a tolling bell and raspy brass.