Sunday, December 28, 2008.

i was planning to do either a post on patrick's house and/or a wrap-up on the year 2008 yesterday night, but something else happened which affected me rather much, and because of that i had some problems falling asleep.

there's perhaps a good reason why i like shostakovich so much despite how his music is not easy on the ears (indeed, his VC no.2 is very hard on the ears on 1st listening).

an excerpt from a nice book (Shostakovich: A Life Remembered) i'm reading now:
"But what struck me most was his (Shostakovich's) parting phrase: 'Be yourself. Don't be afraid of being yourself. My wish for you is that you should continue on your own, incorrect way.'" - Sofiya Gubaidulina, composer

Indeed, Shostakovich was really one person who was truly himself, and I admire his 5th symphony, not only for its musical merits, but for his real courage and bravery. There's something blatantly honest about his works (especially his quartets) that just cries out to everyone out there.

Despite the Soviet Party's threats (and defying them usually meant death) he managed to stay true, honest to himself and his own ideologies, not bending down to what others demanded of him and be a lackey of the Party (unlike many other disgusting composers), and produce a wonderful piece of music.

Guess you can read it up here.

Shostakovich is really wonderful, really. A pure soul amidst the evils of society.

Labels: Life, Music