Dmitri Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 9 and Analysis of the Bassoon Solos

Abstract

Dmitri Shostakovich, one of the leading composers of the 20th century, has composed many kinds of works including symphonies, film music, songs, jazz music and has been rewarded many high-level awards and orders throughout his life. He composed his symphony No.9 after the victory of the Soviet Union against the Third Reich. By the present government, it was expected to be composed to celebrate and glorify the Soviet people. However, after the first premiere of the piece, it was understood that the piece was transparent, amusing, small in scale and a short symphony for an orchestra, it did not meet the expectations of the Soviet Party and it caused a great disappointment. For this reason, it has never been regarded as a work that befits socialist realism and meets the needs of the time. It was later banned along with many other works of the composer. Shostakovich used the “musical joke” technique in his 9th symphony. Bassoon solos, which are in the fourth and fifth movements of the work, are one of the most important works encountered in national and international orchestra auditions. Correct interpretation of solos requires knowledge, musicality and technical skills. The aim of this study is to provide general information about the Dmitri Shostakovich’s Symphony No.9, to examine bassoon solos and to propose solutions for the technical and musical difficulties encountered in the interpretation of these solos. This research is a qualitative research that has been made a literature review on the Dmitri Shostakovich’s Symphony No.9.