A Shostakovich Casebook

In 1979, the alleged memoirs of legendary composer Dmitry Shostakovich (1906-1975) were published as "Testimony: The Memoirs of Dmitry Shostakovich As Related to and Edited by Solomon Volkov". Since its appearance, however, "Testimony" has been the focus of controversy in Shostakovich studies as dou [...]
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In 1979, the alleged memoirs of legendary composer Dmitry Shostakovich (1906-1975) were published as "Testimony: The Memoirs of Dmitry Shostakovich As Related to and Edited by Solomon Volkov". Since its appearance, however, "Testimony" has been the focus of controversy in Shostakovich studies as doubts were raised concerning its authenticity and the role of its editor, Volkov, in creating the book. "A Shostakovich Casebook" presents 25 essays, interviews, newspaper articles, and reviews - many newly available since the collapse of the Soviet Union - that review the 'case' of Shostakovich.In addition to authoritatively reassessing Testimony's genesis and reception, the authors in this book address issues of political influence on musical creativity and the role of the artist within a totalitarian society. Internationally known contributors include Richard Taruskin, Laurel E. Fay, and Irina Antonovna Shostakovich, the composer's widow. This volume combines a balanced reconsideration of the "Testimony" controversy with an examination of what the controversy signifies for all music historians, performers, and thoughtful listeners.Malcolm Hamrick Brown is founding editor of the series "Russian Music Studies". From the time of his first extended stay in Moscow in 1962, he has been continuously involved in teaching, researching, lecturing, writing, and publishing on Russian and Soviet music.