Classical Music - The Szymanowski Quartet

Shostakovich’s Symphony No 8 was a controversial piece of music in its time, considered to be so counter-revolutionary that five years after its debut it was banned by the Soviet authorities. It was written in the summer of 1943, a crucial time during World War II, after the Red Army had defeated the Germans in the bloody Battle of Stalingrad and were pushing them back towards their own borders. It is in the tradition of C Minor ‘Tragedy to Triumph’ symphonies which were begun with Beethoven’s Fifth. Yet, unlike Beethoven’s piece, it does not end with a bombastic heart-stirring conclusion; more of a pastoral rondo in which solo wind instruments dominate. It seems to be mourning the hundreds of thousands who died in the struggle rather than celebrating victory. Stalin wasn’t pleased - it wasn’t good propaganda material and it was effectively banned from being played in the Eastern Block between 1948 and 1956.

Which makes it all the more powerful today. Tonight’s performance of the piece is by the Polish Szymanowski Quartet. "We are really pleased to be playing this particular programme in Lewes. We feel that Shostakovich suits us well these days, and are very much enjoying adding more of this repertoire. No 8 is a spectacular piece,” says Andrej, the band leader. They are also playing a piece from their compatriot composer whose name they proudly use. “We are also particularly happy to be playing the Szymanowski piece, as we like to introduce works by this wonderful Polish composer to the UK public,” says Andrej. DL