Oh Schubert! A happy return to my college days, singing that wonderful piece. I didn’t know it was composed right before he died…imagine what he might composed if he had lived on. Such a short life. I sang in a production of Lady MacBeth too in Madrid about 15 years ago. I didn’t know Stalin walked out on the performance snd then all that ensued. Thanks for sharing these, Michael. Have a good week!
On the precipice of the next administration—and after a just week that already challenges my every emotional fiber—Shostakovich feels so ominous and cautionary. In the west, for the most part, we’ve grown accustomed to our freedom of expression, unhindered by the capricious opinions of a single man. I fear and mourn for those who suddenly feel like wringing their hands in some hidden stairwell, shielding their family, awaiting some imminent arrest or outing. When freedom begins to feel like less of a right and more of a luxury reserved for those who fall in line, it’s not freedom at all. Thank you for this haunting reminder 💙
Absolutely, Katie — in times like ours, much like Shostakovich's, the suppression of artistic expression is a harrowing way to stoke fear and despair. Art equals truth, and no one seems to know that better than the tyrants so bent on silencing the truth-tellers.
I used to listen to Shostakovich *all the time* until 2016, when, for obvious reasons, it felt too chilling to experience the anxiety laced in his music. But now I find it comforting to hear these works, especially the personal ones he was forced to keep a secret, knowing that he was able to survive the horrors of his day by staying vigilant and adaptable.
Ahhhh. Your words are always such a salve to my soul Michael!! What you said about truth tellers is all too real. But Yes! He survived through this torment long enough to feel pure joy. And now here WE are, so grateful to listen to his music and know his story. It’s as if I hear him telling us through your words: Keep making art! No matter what!
Accompaniment for my marking today, thankyou!
Love the investigation, Michael 💙
I do love sleuthing through these stories. 🔍 Glad you enjoyed, Kate — and happy marking! 💙
Oh Schubert! A happy return to my college days, singing that wonderful piece. I didn’t know it was composed right before he died…imagine what he might composed if he had lived on. Such a short life. I sang in a production of Lady MacBeth too in Madrid about 15 years ago. I didn’t know Stalin walked out on the performance snd then all that ensued. Thanks for sharing these, Michael. Have a good week!
I love that you've performed both of these works, Anne! I only had the chance to perform the Schubert once, but it remains one of my fondest memories.
It is truly such a loss that he died at 31. For comparison, if Beethoven had died at the same age, he'd have only written one symphony!
Thoroughly enjoying my time here! Thank you for the fascinating notes, especially about Shostakovich. I had no idea.
It's my pleasure, Christi! I'm so glad you're enjoying the music and words I share here. 💙
On the precipice of the next administration—and after a just week that already challenges my every emotional fiber—Shostakovich feels so ominous and cautionary. In the west, for the most part, we’ve grown accustomed to our freedom of expression, unhindered by the capricious opinions of a single man. I fear and mourn for those who suddenly feel like wringing their hands in some hidden stairwell, shielding their family, awaiting some imminent arrest or outing. When freedom begins to feel like less of a right and more of a luxury reserved for those who fall in line, it’s not freedom at all. Thank you for this haunting reminder 💙
Absolutely, Katie — in times like ours, much like Shostakovich's, the suppression of artistic expression is a harrowing way to stoke fear and despair. Art equals truth, and no one seems to know that better than the tyrants so bent on silencing the truth-tellers.
I used to listen to Shostakovich *all the time* until 2016, when, for obvious reasons, it felt too chilling to experience the anxiety laced in his music. But now I find it comforting to hear these works, especially the personal ones he was forced to keep a secret, knowing that he was able to survive the horrors of his day by staying vigilant and adaptable.
Ahhhh. Your words are always such a salve to my soul Michael!! What you said about truth tellers is all too real. But Yes! He survived through this torment long enough to feel pure joy. And now here WE are, so grateful to listen to his music and know his story. It’s as if I hear him telling us through your words: Keep making art! No matter what!
No matter what! 💙