Hmmm....Amadeus DOES have that ring of eternal history about it. Steeped in musical tradition, eternal strength, orchestral wisdom type award, it certainly sounds very important.
And a DAMN good name for an award.
Still, one day i hope to get a LUDWIG VAN B award, and then I'll really know i've made it!
Incidentally, Shostakovich was actually the first to receive the 'Lenin' award for music, a considerable accolade at the time in Russia , but he refused, insisting that Prokofiev should be the first. The authorities duly awarded Prokofiev the iniital award, and Shostakovich took the second. Dmitri Shostakovich was admired by all for this act, including several in the government of the time. He nearly lost the award however when he wrote and first performed his Eighth Symphony, because the authorities claimed it sounded 'too Western', but several powerful people in the government, and favoured intelligentsia insisted the great composer was entitled to have a 'weak moment' musically, and he not only kept his award, but continued to enjoy a relatively safe existence. Later, the government of the day, had a big change of heart, and encouraged the playing of the eighth, citing the composer's ability to write Western music, 'better than Westerners.' It was a time of uncertainty for intelligent people of creative and scientific pursuits, and although Shostakovich took his chances, his unhappiness stemmed in the main from personal demons rather than daily direct intimidation from the government.
Great composer, in testing times, who stuck to his craft and wrote music we can all admire and enjoy.
Regards to you all,
Alex.
[H]
