Challenging the distinguishing feature of Russian music - its ineffable Russianness - this work examines the history of Russian music from the premiere of Glinka's opera A Life for the Tsar in 1836 to the death of Stalin in 1953, the years in which musical nationalism was encouraged by the Russian state and its Soviet successor.
Offering a unique perspective on cultural history, this book utilizes previously inaccessible primary sources to explore the intersection of music and Soviet power. Through vibrant documents and thorough commentary, it reveals the untold stories and influences of music within the Soviet regime, providing readers with a rich understanding of this complex relationship. The extensive annotations enhance the narrative, making it an invaluable resource for those interested in music history and Soviet studies.
Shostakovich's Fifth Symphony, created against the backdrop of one of Stalin's most infamous purges, is one of Shostakovich's most controversial works. It was Shostakovich's response to criticism that earned him disfavor in the eyes of officials, one that allowed him to regain artistic pride even as he won the approval necessary to regain his livelihood. This book explores this symphony in full and clues readers into secrets about it that took decades to uncover.