Shostakovich

 As I was sitting in the concert hall, listening to Shostakovich Symphony #5, I was thinking about strange forms resistance can take. 

Symphony #5 was written during Stalin's reign. Shostakovich had to write for the times - his life depended on it. Literally. The Party liked and approved of the Symphony - Shostakovich conformed just enough to appease the higher-ups. He gave them what they wanted. But he also managed to make a statement. 

His resistance is embedded in the music. From homage to Mahler (Stalin, apparently, did not approve of Mahler), to the remembrance of those murdered by the regime, to the forced rejoicing of the last movement. 

A true mark of genius is when their work remains relevant century, after century, after century. It has not been quite 100 years since this music has been composed and performed for the first time. Today, it rings strong and true and empowering.

Resist.

Through fiction, through diaries, through music. Resist in your mind. Do not conform to what you know is false and terrible and immoral. 

We are heading into some terrible times.

We are not there yet.

When we get there, remember who you are. Resist.