... Stalin failed to see the hidden meanings in his work. In the early 1940's, Prokofiev criticized Shostakovich's lack of musical daring, accusing him of writing "safe" music. Although it is easy to see the political meaning behind the fifth symphony and other cantatas, songs and operas, Shostakovich also composed fifteen quartets, and it can be argued that a string quartet that has ... expression on one hand, and language, thought, and ideas on the other, all in order to cover up their lack of spontaneous musicality. The mental powers associated with science, mathematics, logic, and langu...

• Word Count: 2701
• Approx Pages: 11
• Grade Level: Undergraduate