Quite the contrary. His music was not only not banned but positively promoted during the Soviet era – witness the complete recording of his orchestral works, including all 27 symphonies, conducted by the peerless Svetlanov. Which other prolific Soviet-era composer enjoyed such largesse from the State? His music was just what the Soviets wanted to pacify the masses – not ‘avant garde’ or dissonant; just the sort of thing that might happen to bring some rest and recreation to Stalin after a hard day at the office signing death warrants for his ‘enemies’. Generally Miaskovsky never sought to provoke animosity or identity himself with ‘counter revolutionaries’ or dissidents of any kind; neither did he ingratiate himself to the regime. His resignation over the Kogan matter was highly principled though. He was among the group of composers who were denounced in 1947, though he had written an overture in honour of Stalinâs 60th birthday.