He wrote most of it between May and August of 1946 while visiting his summer home in Kellomäki (presently known as Komarovo).
For the premiere, most likely so that he would not be accused of "formalism" or "elitism," Shostakovich renamed the movements in the manner of a war story:[citation needed]A chamber symphony arrangement (Op.
It calls for flute, oboe, English horn, clarinet, bassoon, harp, and strings.
It adds winds for tonal colour in the style of Shostakovich's symphonies.
Finally the coda arrives with an acceleration and crescendo, borrowing, once again, the main theme as its material.