Quotes from bookTestimony
Testimony is a book that was published in October 1979 by the Russian musicologist Solomon Volkov. He claimed that it was the memoirs of the composer Dmitri Shostakovich. From its publication, its portrayal of the composer and his views was controversial: the Shostakovich of the book was sometimes critical of fellow composers, and most notably was strongly anti-Soviet in his views. The book also contained comments on his own music, indicating that it was intended as veiled criticism of the Soviet authorities and support for the dissident movement. The authenticity of the book is still very much disputed.
“What you have in your head, put down on paper. The head is a fragile vessel.”
Dmitri Shostakovich book Testimony
Page 229
Testimony (1979)
“When a man is in despair, it means that he still believes in something.”
Dmitri Shostakovich book Testimony
Page 175
Testimony (1979)
“It's about the people, who have stopped believing because the cup of evil has run over.”
Dmitri Shostakovich book Testimony
Page 8
Of his Eleventh Symphony.
Testimony (1979)
“The majority of my symphonies are tombstones.”
Dmitri Shostakovich book Testimony
Page 156
Testimony (1979)
Dmitri Shostakovich book Testimony
It's as if someone were beating you with a stick and saying, "Your business is rejoicing, your business is rejoicing," and you rise, shaky, and go marching off, muttering, "Our business is rejoicing, our business is rejoicing."
Page 183.
Testimony (1979)
