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Shostakovich and Stalin: The Extraordinary Relationship Between the Great Composer and the Brutal Dictator,New
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Music illuminates a person and provides him with his last hope; even Stalin, a butcher, knew that. So said the Russian composer Dmitri Shostakovich, whose first compositions in the 1920s identified him as an avantgarde wunderkind. But that same singularity became a liability a decade later under the totalitarian rule of Stalin, with his unpredictable grounds for the persecution of artists. Solomon Volkovwho cowrote Shostakovichs controversial 1979 memoir, Testimonydescribes how this lethal uncertainty affected the composers life and work.Volkov, an authority on Soviet Russian culture, shows us the holy fool in Shostakovich: the truth speaker who dared to challenge the supreme powers. We see how Shostakovich struggled to remain faithful to himself in his music and how Stalin fueled that struggle: one minute banning his work, the next encouraging it. We see how some of Shostakovichs contemporariesMandelstam, Bulgakov, and Pasternak among themfell victim to Stalins manipulations and how Shostakovich barely avoided the same fate. And we see the psychological price he paid for what some perceived as selfserving aloofness and others saw as rightfully defended individuality.This is a revelatory account of the relationship between one of the twentieth centurys greatest composers and one of its most infamous tyrants.
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- Q: What is the page count of the book? A: This book has three hundred thirteen pages. It provides an in-depth exploration of the relationship between Dmitri Shostakovich and Stalin.
- Q: What is the binding type of this book? A: The book is a hardcover edition. This durable binding type ensures longevity and protection for the pages inside.
- Q: What are the dimensions of the book? A: The book measures six point five seven inches in length, one point one four inches in width, and nine point five three inches in height. These dimensions make it a standard-sized hardcover book.
- Q: Who is the author of the book? A: The author of this book is Solomon Volkov. He is recognized as an authority on Soviet Russian culture.
- Q: What genre does this book belong to? A: The book falls under the genre of History and Criticism. It examines significant historical events and figures in a critical context.
- Q: What themes are explored in this book? A: Themes include the struggle for artistic integrity under totalitarianism and the complex relationship between a composer and a dictator. It highlights the psychological impacts of oppression on creativity.
- Q: Is this book suitable for young readers? A: This book is likely suitable for mature readers due to its historical and critical themes. It discusses serious subjects, including artistic persecution.
- Q: How can I best appreciate this book? A: To appreciate this book, consider exploring Soviet history and the context of Shostakovich's life. Familiarity with music history may enhance your understanding.
- Q: Are there any specific reading recommendations for this book? A: Readers interested in music history, Russian literature, and 20th-century politics will find this book particularly engaging. It provides deep insights into the era.
- Q: How should I store this hardcover book? A: Store the book upright on a shelf to prevent warping. Keep it away from direct sunlight to protect the cover and pages from fading.
- Q: What is the best way to clean this book? A: To clean the book, gently dust the cover and edges with a dry cloth. Avoid using liquids that could damage the pages.
- Q: What should I do if the book arrives damaged? A: If the book arrives damaged, contact the retailer for a return or exchange. Most retailers have a customer service policy for damaged items.
- Q: Is there a warranty for this book? A: Typically, books do not come with a warranty. However, check with the seller for their return policies.
- Q: Can I return this book if I don't like it? A: Most retailers allow returns for books within a specified period. Check the return policy where you purchased the book.
- Q: What if I have trouble understanding the content? A: If you have trouble understanding the book, consider reading supplementary materials on Shostakovich and Stalin. Discussion groups or book clubs can also provide insights.
- Q: Is there a digital version of this book available? A: Yes, a digital version may be available for purchase through various online platforms. Check eBook retailers for options.