Moscow Symphony Orchestra's concert at UNESCO to mark the 100th Anniversary of Dmitri Shostakovich (1906-1975) was a rare treat. It was not well advertised and the audience came with invitations so as a result the sale was half empty. A pity since some Frenchmen would have paid a tidy sum to be able to listen to this homage to the renowned composer performed by the world class orchestra.
The concert exceeded our expectations as modernist, sharp
contrast and grotesque elements were heard in the music. The musicians played
with immense energy and encore even five times! Unfortunately, this creative
work of Shostakovich was not appreciated and even punished during the Soviet
times as it did not conform to the standards expected during those times. The
Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians describes external influences on
Shostakovich's music as the following: "Amid the conflicting pressures of
official requirements, the mass suffering of his fellow countrymen, and his
personal ideals of humanitarian and public service, he succeeded in forging a
musical language of colossal emotional power.
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