Introducing Shostakovich Symphony 7 ‘Leningrad’

Some would say the world is currently grappling with a different type of war, as the invisible Covid 19 sweeps through the world. Yet, the composer Dmitri Shostakovich lived through World War I and II, and it was his Seventh Symphony which was written and performed at the same time Germany besieged Leningrad.

This siege became one of history’s most prolonged and most vicious of all time.

It is not apparent whether the Leningrad Symphony was a direct response to Hitler’s invasion, but we are aware that fascism and those who represented this regime repulsed Shostakovich, which urged him to write such a magnificent work.

The sense of tension and the taste of despair is evident from the very first down beat of the music, but is also a symphony of profound hope, concluding with a colossal and victorious finale.

Leningrad’s atmosphere reeked of misery as it plummeted into a severe state as the bombardment from Nazi Germany continued. Food was scarce and rationed while death for those still alive had become a possible reality. Yet Shostakovich’s symphony becomes a token of hope as news of this work gathered pace around the City. The enthusiasm amongst the population for a performance gathered pace, with every known musician ordered to rehearsals.

Frontline soldiers who played an instrument were ordered to return and take part in this morale- boost of a premiere. The first performance was certainly not a premiere of glitter and glamour, as the Russian army diverted Nazi attention to silence those guns aimed at the City. But Shostakovich’s Symphony No.7, ‘Leningrad’ was broadcast live, and for those who heard, this offered hope and defiance against Nazi Germany.