Leningrad and the Orchestra that Defied Hitler
Budget: $10 – $30 USD
Write 400+ word essay.
Watch “Leningrad and the Orchestra that Defied Hitler” 2016 BBC documentary about the most extraordinary musical work in history,
Leningrad Symphony (or Symphony no. 7) by Dmitry Shostakovich
Observe the author's choice of facts and points emphasized reflecting her personal/cultural biases. https://youtu.be/KOkBEqtGUI8
Listen to the most famous “Invasion Episode” from Symphony no. 7, 1st movement, by Dmitry Shostakovich https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nc2HtJnVG2g
Discuss how great music written by this composer nearly 80 years ago applies to society past and present.
1) Outline central ideas displayed in the film.
2) Compare and contrast the meaning of this unusual work of art music and describe how it relates to life outside the concert hall.
3) Why does this music have power today and what does it tell the people who are born fifty or more years after the most devastating siege in human history? Discuss Shostakovich’s ability to connect us today to 1941 and the power to transform human suffering into beautiful music that reconciles.
4) Can you think of your own experience with music when it would symbolize something important in your life?
5) Finally describe what was most striking for you in the documentary and what was most memorable for you after discovering this music?
Watch “Leningrad and the Orchestra that Defied Hitler” 2016 BBC documentary about the most extraordinary musical work in history,
Leningrad Symphony (or Symphony no. 7) by Dmitry Shostakovich
Observe the author's choice of facts and points emphasized reflecting her personal/cultural biases. https://youtu.be/KOkBEqtGUI8
Listen to the most famous “Invasion Episode” from Symphony no. 7, 1st movement, by Dmitry Shostakovich https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nc2HtJnVG2g
Discuss how great music written by this composer nearly 80 years ago applies to society past and present.
1) Outline central ideas displayed in the film.
2) Compare and contrast the meaning of this unusual work of art music and describe how it relates to life outside the concert hall.
3) Why does this music have power today and what does it tell the people who are born fifty or more years after the most devastating siege in human history? Discuss Shostakovich’s ability to connect us today to 1941 and the power to transform human suffering into beautiful music that reconciles.
4) Can you think of your own experience with music when it would symbolize something important in your life?
5) Finally describe what was most striking for you in the documentary and what was most memorable for you after discovering this music?