Fighting Oppression by Rose

Fighting Oppression by Rose - February 2016 Scholarship Essay

The compositions of Dmitri Shostakovich are simply dripping with the irony of a man forced to write music according to oppressive Soviet standards. A man fighting for the freedom of musical expression would undoubtedly have an understanding of the struggles of those facing injustices today. I can only imagine what it would be like to sit and talk to Shostakovich, who has proved to me that adversity can be challenged in any way; including what would look to be compliance to the system.
Shostakovich, writing his first symphony at age nineteen, gained instant and early acclaim for his creations. I would love to speak with him about how he dealt with this early fame, and how he had to adjust his composing style as Stalin’s reign was reaching its peak in the Soviet Union. As censors were put in place to keep current compositions patriotic and propagandistic, Shostakovich was forced to decide between adhering to government standards and expressing his own musical statements. As a citizen of the United States, I have little in common with those living in a communist nation. However, I believe everyone faces situations in which they struggle with the need to compromise certain parts of their lives without giving up their core values. Even today in the United States, there are multiple issues that attack the moral beliefs of individuals, regarding religion, culture, and expression of individuality. Often people feel there is no hope in fighting oppression from peers, workplaces, and society as whole; I think Shostakovich would have a lot to offer in the way of working around an oppressive system, even if it involves fighting small battles. This is evident in his fifth symphony, which displays an overly-zealous expression of required patriotism.
Shostakovich himself stated, “If they cut off both my hands, I will compose music anyway holding the pen in my teeth.” When I first read this quote, I was struck not only by the persistence of Shostakovich, but also by the defiance his words held. Facing harsh criticisms on the originality of his works’ messages from Stalin, Shostakovich decided to use empty, overly victorious melodies as an ironic compliance to the USSR. This sarcastic demonstration of glorified propaganda made his ultimate message of resistance even stronger. While the issues of the world have obviously changed since the 1930s, the feelings of those oppressed have not. Shostakovich’s determinacy is such an inspiration, and I would love to speak with him and hear his methods for fighting today’s struggles. I think he would agree that subtle defiance often yields more effective results than bold shows of protest.
Shostakovich lived knowing he would not see victory over musical oppression during his lifetime. However, he died battling for what he believed in, and his fight against the harsh rule of the USSR was not forgotten. In his own words, “when a man is in despair, it means he still believes in something.” I think it would be a wonderful opportunity to sit and speak to the man who used his passion for music to fight for his beliefs.