Shostakovich: Symphony No. 4

Is Music Dangerous?

Beyond the Score Shostakovich composed his Fourth Symphony in the Soviet Union under the dark shadow of Stalin. Rehearsals began in earnest, but the work was withdrawn before the premiere and it was not performed for 25 years. What about this work did the Soviet government find dangerous? Or was it Shostakovich himself who withdrew it because he feared for his life?

It’s often the case that great art can emerge only through great suffering. In Shostakovich’s Soviet Union, darkened by the shadow of Stalin, music was essential—it expressed the ideas and feelings of a people that otherwise had no voice. Perhaps this is why the Fourth Symphony lay dormant, unperformed, for 25 years after its completion. Our exploration will feature newsreels and testimonies, including the words of Shostakovich and his friends. Beyond the Score will bring to life not only the music, but also the social and political world from which it emerged. After intermission, enjoy a complete performance of this work by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

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Beyond the Score® receives support from the following generous contributors:
The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation; Bruce and Martha Clinton, on behalf of The Clinton Family Fund;
and Walter and Karla Goldschmidt Foundation.