The Symphonies of Dmitri Shostakovich: A Discussion on How Socialist Realism Impacted the Composer and His Music

In the following discussion, the First and Fourth Symphonies of Dmitri Shostakovich will be analyzed with special focus on musical traits as they relate to Socialist Realism. Based respectively on the political climate in Soviet Russia during the 1920s and 1930s, the First and Fourth Symphonies have very different musical styles. Shostakovich’s compositional progression was impacted by the policies of Socialist Realism at the time he wrote his Fourth Symphony. In order to protect his integrity as a composer, Shostakovich’s Fourth Symphony was premiered 25 years after its completion, proving the immense influence of Stalin and the Communist ideals of Socialist Realism on his musical style