Shostakovich (1 of 7) Film on his life and music

31.07.2011

Överförd av AndrewToovey den 9 okt 2010

Part 1 of 7 Film on Shostakovich, including film footage of the composer (interviewed twice and at various events), his son and daughter Galina and Maxim, Yevgeny Nesterenko (Bass), Yevgeny Yevtushenko, Irina Shostakovich (third wife), biographer Solomon Volkov interviewed.

Part 2 of 7 Including early photos of Shostakovich (with an early song) and further interviews with son and daughter also Gennadi Rozhdestvensky. Footage of Lenin and revolutionary Russia USSR, extract from film New Babylon.

Part 3 of 7 showing very early footage of Shostakovich playing the piano and later interviews. This section is mostly about the Opera Lady MacBeth with extracts and information. Interview with Galina Vishnevskya

Part 4 of 7 starts with Maxim Shostakovich conducting part of the 5th Symphony and discussed by Maxim and biographer Solomon Volkov. Footage of Shostakovich talking, playing the piano and with his daughter Irina, World War 2, seige of Leningrad newsreel while the 7th Symphony is heard. Conductor Rudolf Barshai talks about the 9th Symphony it anto-Starlin stance and the power of music. Composer Khachaturian talks about the Stalin's 1948 policy on culture.

Part 5 of 7 Starts with a discussion on the nature of Shostakovich's music, private and public, within the context of Soviet Russia at that time. News footage on his first visit to the USA with part of a piano recital. Music heard and discussed: From Jewish Folk Poetry op.79, and in contrast The Sun Shines Over Our Motherland op.90 (1952).

Part 6 of 7 starts with the funeral of Stalin. Maxim and Galina Shostakovich talk as well as singer Vishnevskya. Also origins of piece Babii Yar, Symphony No 13 ope 113 (1962). Poet, Yevtushenko talks about this piece and an extract with footage of Shostakovich listening to the performance and reflecting on this powerful work is seen.

Part 7 of 7 concludes this excellent film on the life and music of great Russian composer Shostakovich. Extracts from the rehearsal and first performance of the powerful 14th Symphony are heard, and the Suite on verses of Michelangelo. Finally footage of Shostakovich's funeral.

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