Shostakovich Symphony No. 5 (Part 1)

Shostakovich's 5th symphony has always been indelibly associated with politics and Shostakovich's traumatic experiences with Joseph Stalin. But what about the music itself? This week, we'll look at the first two movements of this symphony, including the massive and innovative first, and the sardonic scherzo. This is a piece that is as interesting musically as it is for the harrowing story of its creation. Shostakovich's music is not only about politics. It is about love, life, and the human experience.