Creativity Despite Duress: Shostakovich and Prokofiev’s Musical Struggles under Soviet Government Restrictions

Abstract

This dissertation investigates how Soviet composers Dmitri Shostakovich and Sergei Prokofiev navigated state-imposed artistic constraints under strict government control. During periods of heightened nationalism and international conflict, especially World War II, the Soviet regime intensified its use of music as a propaganda tool, amplifying ideological pressures on composers. In response, Prokofiev and Shostakovich navigated the demands of Socialist Realism by creating works that reinforced socialism, nationalism, and patriotism, striking a delicate balance between state expectations and their personal artistic values. This study explores the tension between political control and creative expression, revealing how composers responded, adapted, and ultimately reshaped Soviet music under extreme ideological scrutiny.