In this extended podcast Stephen Johnson shares his experience of the healing effects of Shostakovich’s music during dark periods in his life, both as a youth and later when coping with depression. He recalls his often solitary teenage years, when his passion for the music of Shostakovich took root, fueled by a prodigious ability to recall music, and text. He goes on to discuss the composer’s life, music and unlikely survival during the Stalin purges. Stephen also describes interviewing people who knew the composer, for a BBC documentary, including a member of the orchestra during the famous performance of his 7th symphony during the Leningrad siege. We conclude with an in depth discussion of the specific therapeutic effects of music.

Participants.

 Stephen Johnson, Broadcaster, writer and composer https://www.stephen-johnson.co.uk/

 Andy Platman, writer and former GP.

 Ken Barrett, artist, writer and former neuropsychiatrist http://www.kenbarrettstudio.co.uk/

Stephen’s documentary on Shostakovitch: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/b007g7hp

His book: https://www.stephen-johnson.co.uk/publications/how-shostakovich-changed-my-mind/

Opening and closing music: Prelude to Brainland the opera by Stephen Brown

Brainland the opera website: www.brainlandtheopera.co.uk

Sketch by KB.

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