

407 The Siege of Leningrad II
10 snips Jun 15, 2025
The podcast delves into the resilience of Leningrad's citizens during the brutal winter of 1941-42. Dmitri Shostakovich's rise as a composer unfolds, showcasing his struggles with ideology and censorship under Stalin's regime. Amidst the siege, his Seventh Symphony emerges as a powerful patriotic anthem, capturing the spirit of hope and defiance. The emotional impact of this symphony resonates not just in the USSR but across the globe, sparking controversial debates among conductors and critics.
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Artist Persecution Begins
- Shostakovich faced harsh denunciation after Stalin attacked his opera Lady Macbeth of Mntensk.
- This marked the start of artist persecution during the Great Purge in the Soviet Union.
Shostakovich's Fifth Symphony Paradox
- Shostakovich's Fifth Symphony was a creative response to Stalin's criticism, satisfying official demands.
- The triumphant finale might be sincere or a subtle parody of forced rejoicing under oppression.
Shostakovich's Fire Brigade Service
- Shostakovich volunteered for the fire brigade at the Leningrad Conservatory during the siege, helping protect the building.
- His photo in a fire helmet became a symbol of wartime inspiration for the city.