Music in the Chaos: A Theoretical Analysis of Shostakovich's Fifth Symphony

Abstract

My goal in undertaking this analytical thesis is to isolate the symphony and analyze it entirely self-referentially -- with no outside influences or specific vantage points from which to decode the work. This does not mean that I will not comment on the political implications of the symphony but that I will refrain from doing so until my theoretical musical analysis of the work is complete. It is only in viewing the work as a whole cohesive statement that any true meaning can be derived from it. Given the nature of Shostakovich's public and political life in the twentieth century and the controversy over his purported memoirs in Testimony, separating the life and content of the music from the life and circumstances of the man is a daunting task. It is, however, one that to my knowledge remains undone. It is impossible to enter into a study of Shostakovich's music and remain ignorant of his complex relationship with the Russian government and Communist officials, particularly Stalin himself. It is possible, however, to examine the intricacies of the symphonic structure, thematic development, and melodic and harmonic idioms without incorporating political stances or rhetoric. This thesis, then, will propose an understanding of Shostakovich's Fifth Symphony that has not yet been fully discussed or realized. It is the author's hope that the following analysis will contribute in some way to the continued appraisal of Shostakovich's contributions to the musical world and, ultimately, the underlying message of his music. [From Introduction]