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DOU002: Dmitri Shostakovich: String Quartet No. 8 in C Minor, Op. 110
Conceived and constructed during quarantine months, 2020.
WORDS:
Dmitri Shostakovich wrote a note to Isaac Gilkman regarding his 8th quartet stating; “I’ve [just finished] an ideologically deficient quartet that nobody needs. I reflected that when I die it’s not likely anyone will write a quartet dedicated to my memory. So I decided to write it myself. You could even write on the cover [of this string quartet]: ‘Dedicated to the memory of the composer of this quartet.’”
Through years and years of music exploration, Shostakovich has made one of (if not THE) biggest impact on Pale Noise Media’s lead composers/artists Andy Meyer and Matt Wees. Along with these explorations came the discovery of other notable and current composers 're-imagining' earlier works.
Shostakovich’s String Quartet No. 8 has always been regarded as the most "metal" string quartet (or pieces of ‘classical’ music entirely). This was not a difficult transition to make in conception, but many challenges arose in pursuit of sculpting a true Douaumont record.
Our objective with this record is to provide a modern and stylized reinterpretation of Shostakovich’s compositional masterpiece. Focusing on the attempt to retain the same gravity as it did in the 1960's when Shostakovich was left alone, weeping, having just heard the Borodin Quartet give him a private reading of his work.
While caught in the middle of the emerging Soviet regime, Shostakovich found himself contemplating heavy and abstract principles of life through his compositions- most clearly seen in works not infected by the influence of his corrupt government. This can be morally and philosophically reflected in the present while groups are (still) actively fighting for basic human rights and equalities. Inspiration found us in this respect most recently with the large scale movements in our home state of Minnesota.
There is much to be said about the egregiousness in our current political structure; and much that can be disgraced about certain individuals who thrive on the toxic global pedestal. Sound and art are a non-optional resource to use while expressing and existing through periods of change, uncertainty, and the cruelties along our timelines. It is our hope with this record, as all others, to inspire the same thoughts and reflections we used in creating it.
released September 25, 2020
Original work composed by Dmitri Shostakovich while in Dresden, premiering in 1960 as performed by the Beethoven Quartet in Leningrad.
Andy Meyer:
String Arrangement, Bass Performance, Mixing & Mastering, Art A/D.
Matt Wees:
Sound design, Percussion (programming), Vocals, Physical Visuals, Digital Manipulation.