The War Symphonies - Shostakovich against Stalin

The documentary consistently conveys considerable emotional power, as well as a piquant sense of irony. Described by Shostakovich as his “tombstones for the victims of Stalin”, Symphonies 4 to 9 represented the composer’s weapons against tyranny and remains a powerful testimony of his struggle against all political oppression. Much of Shostakovich’s symphonies consists of music that's harsh and aggressive, nervous and tragic; even No. 9, written to commemorate the Allied triumph in World War II and seemingly a light, joyous ode to victory, was in fact filled with musical sarcasm, a favorite mode of expression for Shostakovich. The documentary, shot on location in Moscow and St. Petersburg, brings together great performances led by Valery Gergiev, rare archival film material, and personal recollections from family and colleagues.