Some music quickly drifts free of its history, the details of commissions and premieres the stuff of learned program notes and pre-concert lectures. Other works carry the moment of their birth like a permanent shadow.
Stalin’s terror was in the air and Shostakovich was not yet 30 when he received the first dangerous condemnation of his artistic path, as published in a now notorious Pravda editorial entitled “Muddle Instead of Music.” It was the first blow in a lifelong cat-and-mouse game with the Soviet regime. We know the images of the older Shostakovich, hiding behind spectacles as thick as plate glass and music sheathed in double-meanings.
Comments
Dear Mr. Eichler,
I was at the Thursday night concert for the Mendelsohn violin concerto and the Shostakovich 4th.
The Mendelsohn I have heard in the Hall MANY times. I think one of the most enjoyable was when Tamara Smirnova played it at at Pops concert way back in the 90's. I thought Ms. Steinbacher's performance a bit flat, and seemed there was not of enthusiasim in the orchestra as well. Perhaps I enjoyed Tamara's better since it was one of the first times I heard it and the orchestra was much more entusiasic. I have no access to the BSO archives, so don't know how many times they have plyed it in the past. Maybe you know. I was pretty floored by the 4th! The last time I heard Shostakovich was back in the 90's. Simon Rattle conducted and most folks came to hear Bell play the Tchaikovsky violin conterto, then left. Luckily I stayed and was treated to a fantastic performance. Sadly, I recently threw away all of my programs from over the past 30 years and have forgotten which one was played! I don't seem to see any comments hear at the electronic Globe, to which I subscrbe. Are you getting any at the "Paper" site? I thought your review somewhat short, and didn't mention the great job the players did. It was a very large esemble, and it was good to see some of the contract players, who don't get allot of call-ins anymore.
Regards,
P. Sullivan