Dmitri Shostakovich is a fascinating figure in the context of the "crisis of tonality" and its aftermath. His work provides a unique perspective on how composers navigated the complex musical landscape of the 20th century, particularly under political pressures.
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Traditional Tonal Framework:
- Unlike many Western contemporaries who moved towards atonality or serialism, Shostakovich largely remained within a tonal framework. However, his use of tonality was often complex and innovative, incorporating dissonance and unconventional harmonic progressions.
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Political Context:
- Working under the Soviet regime, Shostakovich faced significant pressure to conform to Socialist Realism—a style that promoted accessible, optimistic music reflecting Soviet ideals. This political environment influenced his compositional choices and limited his ability to openly experiment with more radical forms like atonality or serialism.