Discovered video showing Dmitri Shostakovich personally playing the piano in action.
Dmitri Shostakovich, one of the most celebrated composers of the 20th century, is the focus of a recently shared video on Instagram. The video, which has no prior context, features the Russian composer and pianist playing an arrangement of his own opera, Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk.
The video was shared by Bastian Osis, who cited Peter Laul as the video's source. It showcases Shostakovich playing an incredibly fast and nimble rendition of the piece, exhibiting a rudimentary and forceful nature similar to his music. Throughout the performance, Shostakovich remains exhilaratingly focused, a testament to his mastery of the piano.
Interestingly, the piano sound in the video has a nostalgic muffled quality with a hint of untuned dissonance, adding a unique charm to the performance. This could be due to the age of the recording or the specific piano used.
Shostakovich's musical journey began at the tender age of nine when his mother, a professional pianist, taught him the piano. He later attended the Paris Conservatoire at the age of 16, where he was under the tutelage of composer Alexander Glazunov.
In 1936, Shostakovich upset the Soviet establishment with his opera, Lady Macbeth of the Mtsensk. Joseph Stalin, who attended a performance of the opera, was angered by its lack of positivist flag-waving and the opera's dark themes. As a result, Shostakovich found himself in and out of favor with the Soviet authorities and never truly escaped the control of the Soviet regime.
Despite the challenges, Shostakovich produced his First Symphony when he was just 19, a testament to his prodigious talent. His playing, as displayed in the video, reflects this raw energy and innovative spirit.
The caption of the video reads, "I found a video of the ACTUAL Shostakovich playing piano". This discovery offers a unique insight into the life and music of one of the 20th century's most significant composers. While the video's origins remain unclear, its impact on those who have seen it is undeniable.
