March of the Soviet Militia for Wind Ensemble, Op. 139 (1970)

There are several amazing aspects to Shostakovich's late work for military band, The March of the Soviet Militia, Op. 139 (1970). First, it is amazing that so late in life, when so little compositional energy remained in his ailing body, that Shostakovich would compose so slight a piece of occasional music. Second, it is amazing that Shostakovich would compose a work for the Soviet Police, an organization that had hung over his head like a threat since he had first been condemned by the Soviet state in 1936.

Third, it is amazing that Shostakovich could compose such a blandly bombastic work so late in his career, when works like the agonizing final quartets and the ironically tragic last symphony were gestating in his mind. But the most amazing thing about The March of the Soviet Militia is that Shostakovich dedicated it to his old friend and poker-playing buddy, Mikhail Zoshchenko, a beloved comic writer and a none-too-well-concealed subversive. That Shostakovich would compose such a dumb and brutal work to a dumb and brutal militia is amazing; that he would dedicate it to a comedian clearly reveals his intentions.

Note by James Leonard