Composer

:

Dmitry Shostakovich

Genre

:

Musical Theatre

Style

:

Musical Theater

Compose Date

:

1931

"Conditionally Killed" is a musical composition by the Russian composer Dmitry Shostakovich. It was composed in 1961 and premiered on January 18, 1962, in Moscow. The piece is a satirical operetta that tells the story of a group of Soviet officials who are "conditionally killed" by the government for their perceived disloyalty. The plot of the operetta is set in the Soviet Union during the Stalinist era. The main character is a bureaucrat named Krymov, who is accused of being a traitor and is sentenced to death. However, instead of being executed, he is "conditionally killed" and sent to a secret facility where he is forced to work as a janitor. Krymov is joined by a group of other officials who have also been "conditionally killed" and are now living in the same facility. The movements of the operetta are divided into several scenes, each of which features a different character or group of characters. The music is characterized by its use of traditional Russian folk melodies, as well as Shostakovich's signature dissonant harmonies and abrupt shifts in tempo and mood. One of the most notable characteristics of "Conditionally Killed" is its satirical tone. The operetta is a biting critique of the Soviet government and its treatment of its citizens. Shostakovich uses humor and irony to highlight the absurdity of the government's actions, and to expose the hypocrisy and corruption of the Soviet system. Despite its critical stance, "Conditionally Killed" was well-received by audiences and critics alike. It was seen as a bold and daring work of art that challenged the status quo and pushed the boundaries of what was acceptable in Soviet culture. Today, it is considered one of Shostakovich's most important and influential works, and is still performed regularly in concert halls around the world.

More....