Why did Stalin hate Shostakovich?

Answer 1

Stalin's animosity towards Dmitri Shostakovich stemmed from the composer's complex relationship with the Soviet regime, particularly his music's perceived Western influences and its introspective nature, which contrasted with the Soviet ideals of socialist realism. Shostakovich's Opera "Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk" was initially praised but later condemned by Stalin, leading to a climate of fear for the composer. Additionally, Shostakovich's attempts to navigate the political landscape through his music made him a target for Stalin's ire, as the regime sought to control artistic expression strictly. This tension reflected the broader struggle between individual creativity and state control in the Soviet Union.