# Shostakovich, Symphony No. 5 in D minor, Op. 47

The angular canonic opening. Exposed, rhythmically strict, and demanding a hard, deliberate sound rather than a warm one.

## About the excerpt

- **Composer:** Dmitri Shostakovich

- **Work:** Symphony No. 5 in D minor, Op. 47

- **Movement:** I. Moderato

- **Era:** Modern (c. 1910–1950)

- **Composed:** 1937

- **Clef:** Alto clef

- **Difficulty:** Advanced

- **Audition list:** Standard excerpt

## Bowing

Weighted, on-string, with a firm note beginning. The character is severe rather than lyrical.

## Where it goes wrong

The dotted rhythms must be precise; the canon falls apart audibly if they are approximated.

## Style

Resist adding warmth. Shostakovich writes this bleakly and it should sound that way.

## Techniques

symphony, audition, exposed, rhythm

This public reference contains work information and original practice notes. It does not publish the excerpt notation or grant permission to copy a score. Score access and rights depend on the edition and jurisdiction.

## Related excerpts

- [Ravel: Daphnis et Chloé, Suite No. 2](https://arcosounds.com/repertoire/viola/ravel-daphnis-viola), Shimmering, divided, colouristic string writing that asks for control at very quiet dynamics and precise ensemble. Audition; Modern; Alto clef. Standard audition excerpt.
- [Prokofiev: Romeo & Juliet, Dance of the Knights](https://arcosounds.com/repertoire/viola/prokofiev-romeo-juliet-viola), Heavy, deliberate, rhythmically exact writing in the middle register. Approachable notes, unforgiving pulse. Intermediate; Modern; Alto clef. Standard audition excerpt.

Canonical source: https://arcosounds.com/repertoire/viola/shostakovich-5-i-viola