Dmitri Shostakovich's Testimony

Dmitri Shostakovich’s "Testimony" is a memoir written by his friend Solomon Volkov, presenting Shostakovich’s personal reflections on his life and music, especially during the oppressive Soviet regime. The book suggests that Shostakovich secretly opposed Stalin’s authoritarian rule and embedded hidden messages of resistance in his compositions. While controversial for reportedly blending fact with interpretation, it offers a profound glimpse into the composer’s struggles with artistic integrity under political pressure, portraying his music as a subtle form of protest and personal survival amidst the oppressive environment of Soviet Russia.