Description

Book Synopsis

''A terrifying and unhappy book...'' The Guardian

This astounding self-portrait covering the whole of Shostakovich''s life (1906-1975) was prepared in collaboration with the distinguished Soviet musicologist Solomon Volkov. With the composer''s consent, the manuscript was smuggled out of Soviet Russia - but Shostakovich, fearing reprisals, stipulated that the book should not appear until after his death.

Ever since its publication in 1979 it has been the subject of controversy, some suggesting that Volkov invented parts of it, but most affirming that it revealed a profoundly ambivalent Shostakovich which the world had never seen before - his life at once triumphant and tragic.

Either way, it remains indispensible to an understanding of Shostakovich''s life and work. Testimony is intense and fiercely ironic, both plain-spoken and outspoken.



Trade Review
"'I do not know of a musician who will not read it with compassion and admiration' Andre Previn"

Testimony The Memoirs of Dmitri Shostakovich as

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    A Paperback / softback by Dmitri Shostakovich, Solomon Volkov

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      View other formats and editions of Testimony The Memoirs of Dmitri Shostakovich as by Dmitri Shostakovich

      Publisher: Faber & Faber
      Publication Date: 07/07/2005
      ISBN13: 9780571227921, 978-0571227921
      ISBN10: 0571227929
      Also in:
      Biography Biography: arts and entertainment Published diaries, letters and journals Entertainment Composers and songwriters

      Description

      Book Synopsis

      ''A terrifying and unhappy book...'' The Guardian

      This astounding self-portrait covering the whole of Shostakovich''s life (1906-1975) was prepared in collaboration with the distinguished Soviet musicologist Solomon Volkov. With the composer''s consent, the manuscript was smuggled out of Soviet Russia - but Shostakovich, fearing reprisals, stipulated that the book should not appear until after his death.

      Ever since its publication in 1979 it has been the subject of controversy, some suggesting that Volkov invented parts of it, but most affirming that it revealed a profoundly ambivalent Shostakovich which the world had never seen before - his life at once triumphant and tragic.

      Either way, it remains indispensible to an understanding of Shostakovich''s life and work. Testimony is intense and fiercely ironic, both plain-spoken and outspoken.



      Trade Review
      "'I do not know of a musician who will not read it with compassion and admiration' Andre Previn"

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