• Classes, Lectures & Workshops

    Greenberg Lecture Series with Afiara String Quartet - Dmitri Shostakovich: The Thaw

    Greenberg Lecture Series with Afiara String Quartet - Dmitri Shostakovich: The Thaw Image gallery

    Montalvo Arts Center

    May 18, 2008

    Be the first to submit a review/comment!
    Add Review/Comment

    Shostakovich's musical career mirrored the rise and history of the then Soviet Union from 1917-1975. His career started with Lenin's rule; he knew Stalin personally and was nearly purged twice; he survived the siege of Leningrad, argued with Khrushchev, and died during Breshnev’s tenure. Shostakovich survived because the government considered him a "yurodivy," a village idiot, a holy fool, by Russian tradition one of the chosen few allowed to speak out. He composed music that pleased the state and music that infuriated the state. Through it all, his mind remained his own. Join us as we discover the secret inspiration behind the music of Shostakovich.

    In this session we learn how Stalin’s death in 1953 allowed for an increasingly liberal and less repressive environment, and Shostakovich released a tremendous amount of work that he kept silent during Stalin’s control. He became an icon, and by the time Brezhnev was in power, Shostakovich was left alone to compose his inward-looking music. Session Four explores the trauma caused by Shostakovich joining the Communist Party in 1960, and the inward-looking music that Shostakovich produced in post-Stalin USSR.

    Greenberg is accompanied by Afiara String Quartet, who will perform Shostakovich's String Quartet No. 8.

    For over 20 years, Robert Greenberg has presented his music lecture series in concert halls, universities, and boardrooms nationally. An accomplished composer with over 45 works to his name, Greenberg has also recorded best-selling audio courses for the acclaimed Teaching Company.

    • Ticket Info

      Tickets: $12.50-$25
      $100 (whole series)

      Info Phone: 408-961-5858

      Buy tickets

    • Dates & Times

      Dates:
      May 18, 2008

      Times:
      2pm

    • Venue Info

      Montalvo Arts Center

      15400 Montalvo Road Saratoga, CA 95070

      Full map and directions

    • Accessibility Info

    • NOTE: We do our best to ensure all information is accurate, however it's a good idea to visit the website or call the venue to verify the information.

  • Featured Sections

  • Featured Video

    View all videos in Video Central