Shostakovich's 1932 music for Nikolay Akimov's production of Hamlet, which presented it as a farcical comedy, was a terrible failure and one of the last avant-garde works before Socialist Realism.
Compositional Technique
Shostakovich's film score for Hamlet is largely a three-way drama, with main themes given to the central characters and developed in an almost symphonic way.
Critical Reception
Shostakovich was particularly pleased with his Hamlet score, which was acclaimed, won film festival prizes, and was even used for several Hamlet ballets.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Both Kozintsev and Shostakovich were absorbed by themes of leadership, conscience, honor, and social responsibility, which are central to their Shakespeare film adaptations.
Recording & Production
This recording incorporates the complete published film score for Hamlet, Op.116, along with the Suite, Op.116a, which was arranged by Shostakovich's friend Lev Atovmian in 1964.
Composition History
The director Grigori Kozintsev and Shostakovich collaborated on two acclaimed Shakespeare adaptations, Hamlet (1964) and King Lear (1970), after working together since the 1920s.
Composer Biography
Dmitry Shostakovich, a brilliant dramatic composer, was captivated by Shakespeare, setting Sonnet 66 and writing music for Hamlet and King Lear.
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