Top > Other Musicians > Shostakovich Symphony No. 5: Pro-Regime or Anti-Regime?
This site introduces unknown composer Emanuel Bach (C. P. E. Bach). This English version was translated from Japanese one by ChatGPT.
Is Shostakovichʼs Symphony No. 5 Pro-Regime or Anti-Regime?
ChatGPT4o was asked: “It is believed that Shostakovichʼs Symphony No. 5 was composed to restore his reputation after being labeled anti-regime by the authorities, yet it simultaneously contains anti-regime elements. The fourth movement ends with a powerful and persistent dominant, which seems to carry irony towards oppression. What do you think?”
Shostakovichʼs Symphony No. 5 indeed has a fascinating background and is often discussed as a work containing “multi-layered messages.”
This symphony was composed in 1936 under Stalinʼs regime after Shostakovich faced criticism for his opera *Lady Macbeth of the Mtsensk District*. It is said that he composed the symphony aiming to restore his reputation. He himself described the work as “a Soviet artistʼs creative response,” suggesting an outward compliance with the regime. However, many interpret the musical content as containing hidden intentions beneath the surface.
Regarding the fourth movement, while the powerful conclusion is officially explained as symbolizing “victory,” many critics and scholars interpret it as expressing irony or a forced triumph. Some Shostakovich researchers view the relentless dominant progression in the finale not as a symbol of joy or victory, but rather as a reflection of the oppression and inner grief experienced by people. This interpretation is supported by the opinion that the finale should be performed deliberately and heavily rather than too quickly.
A basis for this interpretation is found in *Testimony*, a memoir published posthumously, in which Shostakovich is said to have described the finale of Symphony No. 5 as “a victorious piece, but a victory drenched in blood.” However, the authenticity of this memoir remains a subject of debate.
Therefore, as you sensed, it is highly plausible that the finale contains irony toward oppression. This duality of meaning within the musical structure is one of the captivating aspects of Shostakovichʼs works.