Valiant music of the valiant city. Today, Shostakovich's 7th Symphony is heard in the Northern Capital again as it was first heard 75 years ago in blockaded Leningrad. Then, this symphony, incredible in its power and tear, struck the enemy who thought that the city was already dead. But Leningrad endured, and today people listen to the symphony in concert halls and near the bridges raised over the Neva. Ekaterina Fisenko has the details.
The anthem of the undefeated city and undefeated people is heard over the Neva as it was 75 years ago. Then the whole city heard Shostakovich's 7th Symphony rattling from the loudspeakers. Today, the great work excites every St. Petersburger, too. My 7th Symphony is inspired by the cruel events of 1941. I dedicate my work to our fight against fascism and our victory. So far, only an outline.
The symphony wasn't yet called "Siege of Leningrad," but the city was already under siege. Shostakovich himself extinguishes incendiary bombs at night, composing music during the day. These are yellowed filings of Leningradskaya Pravda, one sheet per day covering major events. But among the military articles and calls to prepare firewood, it was regularly reported on Shostakovich's work. His symphony was much awaited by the city. He seemed to be trying to squeeze all the shades of the orchestral sonority from the piano. Suddenly, sirens were heard in the streets.
Having played the first part, the author started evacuating his wife and children into the bomb shelter. But he suggested not to finish playing music. This symphony will always remind us of the horror the Russian people lived through. Yellowed posters are still kept in the Philharmonic. The legend says that when they read the score sent to Leningrad, they were horrified. There should be twice as many musicians as in the orchestra. And Shostakovich wrote: not a single person less. By an official order, musicians who were on the front lines at that time were invited and seconded to Leningrad.
During the rehearsals bandages were seen. Tickets were gobbled up, soldiers arrived from the front lines leaving the battle to plunge into peaceful life for one evening. On that day the Great Hall of the Philharmonic in the wounded city looked as if there was no war or blockade. Although windows were boarded up, all the chandeliers were alight: a fabulous luxury for Leningrad in 1942. There was war on the stage, the war from Shostakovich's music. And it was clear for every listener in the room that the victory would be ours. It was close to us, all these Dunaevsky's melodies and songs.
And suddenly came these bang, wham, thump! Many years have passed and I do remember the music. Lights went out several times in the hall, there was a roar of guns. But the music from the Philharmonic Hall was broadcast not only throughout Leningrad, but also to the front line, and even the fascists heard the symphony. This seemed to be another turning point in the military operations.
The anthem of Victory is heard in the awe-inspiring final of the symphony. So, he predicted the victory. Can you imagine that moral courage? In these sounds, the inhabitants of the besieged city clearly heard the roar of fireworks over the Neva.
