shostakovich background- AS EDEXCEL Music

Shostakovich (1906-1975)

• Following a visit to Dresden in 1960 he completed his 8th string quartet.
• Intended for public performance in concert hall.
• Alex Ross described it as 'scathing self punishing'
• The work has been subject to speculation concerning the motivation behind its creation.
• Dedication to the victimes of fascism and war- appears to be a cover up of his own personal anguish.
• …