Dimitri Shostakovich’s Fifth Symphony, being performed by St. Petersburg Philharmonic at Carnegie Hall March 4. This piece was Shostakovich's attempt to regain the approval of Soviet authorities, who had placed him under such a cloud that the composer feared for his life. It worked, but the debate about Shostakovich's intentions -- was he really giving in, or merely mocking his oppressors? -- still rages. - Stuart Isacoff
client: The Wall Street Journal