Composer

:

Dmitry Shostakovich

Genre

:

Orchestral

Style

:

Incidental Music

Compose Date

:

1929

Movement_count

:

15

Movement ....

"The Flea, Op. 19" is a satirical song cycle composed by Dmitry Shostakovich in 1922. The piece was premiered in Leningrad on December 28, 1922, and was performed by the composer himself on the piano, with the baritone singer Vladimir Kastorsky. The cycle consists of six movements, each based on a poem by the Russian poet Alexander Pushkin. The poems are humorous and satirical, and Shostakovich's music reflects this tone. The composer uses a variety of musical styles, including folk melodies, popular songs, and classical forms, to create a playful and ironic atmosphere. The first movement, "The Flea," is a lively and rhythmic song that tells the story of a flea that bites a man and then jumps to a woman, causing a love triangle. The second movement, "The Bedbug," is a waltz that describes the antics of a bedbug that disturbs a man's sleep. The third movement, "The Fidget," is a fast and energetic song that portrays a restless and impatient person. The fourth movement, "The Mechanical Doll," is a haunting and eerie piece that tells the story of a mechanical doll that comes to life and falls in love with its creator. The fifth movement, "The Dance of Death," is a macabre and grotesque dance that depicts death as a sinister figure who leads people to their demise. The final movement, "The Exclamation," is a short and explosive song that expresses the composer's frustration with the limitations of language. Overall, "The Flea, Op. 19" is a witty and entertaining work that showcases Shostakovich's talent for musical satire. The composer's use of humor and irony, combined with his skillful musical craftsmanship, make this cycle a unique and enjoyable listening experience.

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