He was too scared to let his fourth be performed and go through the same nighmare again, Stalin's explosive reaction had marked him after the shocking experience of the article in the "Pravda" of "Lady McBeth of Mtsensk".
At this moment in his life, he was waiting to be deported after haven gotten accused of betrayal to the state. The "Pravda" was full of letter and articles about who should be executed because of betrayal against the state, etc! One accusation of Stalin often meant total disaster for an artist at that time. Shostakovich became more and more depressed each day. He was about to commit suicide.
Shostakovich signed the book and testament personally, that was written by Solomon Volkov to make sure the truth would get out to the free world! Every word that is against Volkov is like showing disrespect for the great Shostakovich!
When Stalin finally died, Shosta was so happy that he immeadiately wrote his
"Festive Ouverture, Opus 96" right after Stalin's death!
I think the music clearly shows how happy Dmitrij was! Damn those dictators!! I hate them so!! (the three big ones! (Fred).
picture of Solomon Volkov and Dmitrij Shostakovich.