If you don't know this piece, take the time to watch the video. If you know the piece, well, I don't have to encourage you, do I? This is the last movement, including the "shrill rejoicing" part that Shostakovich wrote in part as a response to potentially life threatening criticism leveled at him by the government.
There is a feeling of rejoicing, but it is one of forced rejoicing. It is as if someone is beating you with a stick and telling you 'You're celebrating!' over and over again. Eventually, you walk away muttering 'Yes, I'm celebrating.'
Source: wikipedia
Look at Bernstein's face at the end of the movement. He, the whole orchestra, and the entire audience, have invested their complete emotional energy into these minutes. The result is spectacular.



