Shostakovitch: Understanding Soviet Russia through the life and music of Dmitri Shostakovitch

Abstract

This project provides a look into Soviet Russia during the years of 1917 to 1937 through the life and works of composer Dmitri Shostakovitch. Through this approach it can be seen how the Soviet government used the arts as a tool of propaganda and kept control over what the masses were allowed to hear and see. Due to the nature of the topic, much of the research is through secondary sources and where able to validate the authenticity of primary sources were used. Throughout the various memoirs, correspondence, and music, the reach of soviet control can be demonstrated by the life of Shostakovitch, and seen among all the Soviet artists.