Robert Greenberg - Great Masters: Shostakovich-His Life and Music: Introduction

Excerpt from The Great Courses - Great Masters: Shostakovich - His Life and Music: Lecture 1: “Let the Controversy Begin”
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Discover the extraordinary life, times, and art of Dmitri Shostakovich (1906-1975), great musical master and flawed but faithful witness to the survival of the human spirit under totalitarianism. He is without a doubt one of the absolutely central composers of the 20th century. His symphonies and string quartets are mainstays of the repertoire.
But Shostakovich is also a figure whose story raises challenging and exciting issues that go far beyond music: They touch on questions of conscience, of the moral role of the artist, of the plight of humanity in the face of total war and mass oppression, and of the inner life of history's bloodiest century.

[@xbluebells]

Shostakovich's 5th Symphony contains pure terror and irony. I can feel the neurochemicals flood my body and has me completely on edge. Bravo Shostakovich-- if only more artists spoke as brutally and as honestly as you we could tear down the tyrants.

[@AskAScreenwriter]

I think I've got this on cassette, and seeing this clip makes me want to go back and re-listen to them. An extremely talented composer, amazing life story, and reflection on 20th century politics taught by a passionate, knowledgeable, and VERY entertaining instructor!

[@SimonPiano42]

great, energetic introduction to Shostakovich (and Soviet politics)!

[@Tuberdog8]

I bought the CD version. It is my favorite so far. It is amazing how clear and vivid your presentation is with only audio. Honestly you are the my absolute favorite professor. Amazing energy and clarity. I am on my 6th Composer! Love them all! Thank You!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@ziegunerweiser]

I try to imagine what he lived through and survived

[@glennmartin974]

Love it!

[@monolyth421]

Funny, Tchaikovsky's symphonies found similar political use.

[@bobsmith-ov3kn]

all this focus on historical context should be a COMPLETELY DIFFERENT subject than studying the actual MUSIC. This entire video is nothing but a history lesson. Absolutely nothing was said about the actual music except as it supposedly relates to history.

[@robertgreenbergmusic]

This is an introduction to the first lecture of an 8-lecture series on Shostakovich's life and his music.

[@michaeltierra6388]

You are a treasure! We had a brief interaction may years ago when i composed for a mere $300 a set of piano pieces that alas, proved to be either unplayable in parts but certainly unplayable by me. The score remains on my piano and I wish I could at least hear it even If I was unable to ply it.

[@youmothershouldknow4905]

It’s only a portion of the first of eight lectures. You should refrain from comments like yours until you know something.