Category: Observations

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The Power of the Symphony: Dmitry Shostakovich

Dimitry Shostakovich

A couple of weeks ago, while riding the bus to a different part of town, I stumbled upon a symphony composed by Dmitry Shostakovich. I had seen his name before, but not yet heard any of his compositions. That bus ride changed my view of symphonies forever, I suppose?

I had always loved the sound of a big symphony orchestra, but did not get into classical music until the pandemic in 2020. At that time, I discovered my love for classical music while learning to play the piano. I had always been fascinated with the piano – all forms of piano music. But once I started learning to play, I realized that classical piano is my favorite.

My love for classical piano lead me down a path of discovery, listening to the likes of Sergei Rachmaninov (my favorite), Franz Liszt, and others. I spend a lot of time listening to fantastic classical piano pieces and watching videos of performances for study. I watch performers such as Yuja Wang, Yevgeny Kissin, Daniil Trifonov, Yeol Eum Son, Alexander Malofeev, Tiffany Poon, and others.

Johannes Brahms Piano Concerto No. 1 in D Minor had an impact in my growing appreciation for concertos and symphonies. This particular concerto has no equal. I am not entirely sure how this amazing piece lead me to symphonies, but after a few months of thoroughly enjoying this, I started choosing random pieces to listen to.

The first time that I heard Shostakovich Symphony No. 10 in E Minor I was amazed. Such beautiful, powerful, and emotional music is a thing from out of this world. I love this piece so much I started looking into other pieces composed by Dmitry Shostakovich. It was during this search when I found Shostakovich Symphony No. 7 in C Major… in particular the finale of the 4th movement.

The finale of Shostakovich’s 7th symphony just sent me into another zone. The sheer power and volume of the orchestra sends chills down my spine. The tones, solos, and changes in volume and emotion take me on an emotional rollercoaster. I feel so many different, at times competing, emotions that at the end, I am left panting.

My favorite recording of Shostakovich’s 7th symphony was conducted by Vasily Petrenko and performed by the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra. This album was released April 29, 2013 by Naxos.

Official Website: https://vasilypetrenkomusic.com/project/shostakovich-symphony-no-7-leningrad/

Be sure to watch perhaps the best video of a live performance of this piece on YouTube. It was conducted by Klaus Mäkelä when he was only 23 years young. The orchestra of note is the Frankfurt Radio Symphony. This was filmed on November 1, 2019. Watching this performance makes me wish to be a part of such a grand, beautiful, regal, and stunning orchestra.

Klaus Mäkelä was recently named as the next director of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. This young Finn is an incredible part of the broader classical community and his youth may very well inspire more young people to experience the power of classical music.

Note Klaus Mäkelä’s glasses and similarity in appearance to the great Shostakovich during this particular performance. His energy paired with this incredible Frankfurt Radio Symphony makes this a video that I highly recommend to all… even if you don’t love classical music, you will love this performance and end up loving classical music.

It was while listening to these pieces that I realized the meaning of the phrase, “one does not listen to classical music, they experience it”. These symphonies are an experience that defy description. There really is power in classical music.

Shostakovich Symphony No. 7 conducted by Klaus Mäkelä and performed by the Frankfurt Radio Symphony

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Hauntingly Beautiful

I love listening to Rachmaninoff’s Suite No. 1 for 2 Pianos in G Minor, Opus 5, No. 3 “Tears”. It is such a beautiful and emotional piece of music that really moves me every time I hear it. Vladimir Ashkenazy does a phenomenal job performing it – he is one of the greatest pianists to ever live.  

The piece begins softly and simply, with a repeating melody played over and over that seems to convey a deep sense of melancholy and longing. The music starts out quietly and subdued, as if it is softly crying. As the piece continues, it gradually builds in complexity and intensity, the low notes becoming darker and more dramatic while the high notes soar higher and faster, reaching a climax of passion and sorrow. I feel the music swelling with emotion before it finally calms back down again. The delicate, graceful melodies sound lovely yet also deeply sad to me. When I listen to this piece, I feel completely transported to another world, fully immersed in the mood Rachmaninoff created. At the same time, I feel deeply connected to that original melancholic feeling. 

After this outpouring of emotion, the music transitions to a more confident, triumphant section, as if the pianists have overcome their sadness and are now celebrating. The tempo slows, but the rhythm becomes steadier and more resolute. To me, this section sounds like a victorious march, full of glory and pride but also relief at having moved through grief. I imagine the pianists’ fingers marching proudly across the keys. The music retains a hint of the melancholy from before, but now also rings with hope. 

The piece ends gently and thoughtfully, with the pianists seeming to reflect on the musical journey they have just taken. The finale sounds peaceful, serene, and ultimately hopeful to me after the turbulence of emotion that came before. I feel a sense of resignation and acceptance in these final melodies.  

Rachmaninoff was truly a master at conveying complex emotions through his music. One of my favorite parts of this piece is how it moves through distinct phases – from sad longing to passionate climax, to confident forward motion, to quiet reflection at the end. I am always amazed that the melodies can express so much feeling and tell a story. Suite No. 1 reminds me of waves rising and falling, mirroring the ups and downs of human experience. 

I find this composition incredibly powerful and liberating to listen to. It is as if Rachmaninoff wrote the music as an outlet for a deep well of feeling inside him. I think most people can relate to the emotions in this piece even if they do not consciously understand the technical brilliance behind it. The way the piano melodies swell and crash over you like waves allows you to access very human vulnerability and pain, but also hope.  

Whenever I am feeling melancholy or just need to get lost in beautiful music, I love putting on Ashkenazy’s recording of Rachmaninoff’s Suite No. 1. It never fails to move me profoundly. This masterful composition and performance is a true work of genius that has stood the test of time. I hope many future generations continue to appreciate how emotionally expressive and technically complex this piece is. Rachmaninoff and Ashkenazy came together to create an immortal work of art that will continue impacting hearts for years to come. 

Vladimir Ashkenazy
Vladimir Ashenazy

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