Dmitri Shostakovich

Dmitri Dmitriyevich Shostakovich (25 September [O.S. 12 September] 1906 – 9 August 1975) was a Soviet-era Russian composer and pianist who became internationally known after the premiere of his First Symphony in 1926 and thereafter was regarded as a major composer. Shostakovich achieved early fame in the Soviet Union, but had a complex relationship with its government. His 1934 opera Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk was initially a success but later condemned by the Soviet government, putting his career at risk. In 1948, his work was denounced under the Zhdanov Doctrine, with professional consequences lasting several years. Even after his censure was rescinded in 1956, performances of his music were occasionally subject to state interventions, as with his Thirteenth Symphony (1962). Nevertheless, Shostakovich was a member of the Supreme Soviet of the RSFSR (1947) and the Supreme Soviet of the Soviet Union (from 1962 until his death), as well as chairman of the RSFSR Union of Composers (1960–1968). Over the course of his career, he earned several important awards, including the Order of Lenin, from the Soviet government. Shostakovich combined various musical techniques in his works. His music is characterized by sharp contrasts, elements of the grotesque, and ambivalent tonality; he was also heavily influenced by neoclassicism and by the music of Gustav Mahler. His orchestral works include 15 symphonies and six concerti (two each for piano, violin, and cello). His chamber works include 15 string quartets, a piano quintet, and two piano trios. His solo piano works include two sonatas, an early set of 24 preludes, and a later set of 24 preludes and fugues. Stage works include three completed operas and three ballets. Shostakovich also wrote several song cycles and a substantial quantity of music for theatre and film. Shostakovich's reputation has continued to grow after his death. Scholarly interest has increased significantly since the late 20th century, including considerable debate about the relationship between his music and his attitudes toward the Soviet government.

Shostakovich: Symphony No. 1 and Moscow, Cheryomushki - 2026-06-05T00:00:00.000000Z

Peaceful Cello - 2026-06-04T00:00:00.000000Z

Shostakovich: Complete Works for Piano Trio - 2026-06-01T00:00:00.000000Z

姜波强演绎肖斯塔科维奇钢琴奏鸣曲 (JIANG Boqiang: Shostakovich Piano Sonatas) - 2026-05-30T00:00:00.000000Z

This is Shostakovich - 2026-05-08T00:00:00.000000Z

Calm Classical for Studying - 2026-05-08T00:00:00.000000Z

"'Great Relaxing Classics" - Smooth & Peaceful - 2026-05-01T00:00:00.000000Z

Shostakovich: Symphonies Nos. 6 & 9 - 2026-05-01T00:00:00.000000Z

"Passion" - Classical Moods - 2026-05-01T00:00:00.000000Z

DELMAN CONDUCTS SHOSTAKOVICH: SYMPHONIES NOS. 5 & 8 (Remastered in 2026) - 2026-04-15T00:00:00.000000Z

DELMAN CONDUCTS SHOSTAKOVICH: SYMPHONIES NOS. 5 & 8 (Remastered in 2026) - 2026-04-15T00:00:00.000000Z

Spring Sonatas - 2026-04-06T00:00:00.000000Z

Gathering Clouds - 2026-04-04T00:00:00.000000Z

Shostakovich: Symphony No. 2 "To October" & Symphony No. 5 - 2026-04-03T00:00:00.000000Z

Shostakovich: Symphony No. 2 "To October" & Symphony No. 5 - 2026-04-03T00:00:00.000000Z

50 Greatest Orchestral Showpieces - 2026-03-29T00:00:00.000000Z

Shostakovich: Piano Concertos, Fantastic Dances, Prelude & Fugue - 2026-03-27T00:00:00.000000Z

Peaceful & Relaxing Classical Music - 2026-03-26T00:00:00.000000Z

Shostakovich: Complete Piano Works, Vol. 3 - 2026-03-20T00:00:00.000000Z

Shostakovich: Complete Piano Works, Vol. 3 - 2026-03-20T00:00:00.000000Z

Late Romantic and Modern Classics - 2026-03-14T00:00:00.000000Z

Shostakovich: Symphonies 5 & 9 (Live) - 2026-02-27T00:00:00.000000Z

Urban Pulse - Rhythms and Sounds from the Roaring City - 2026-02-27T00:00:00.000000Z

Torrid Classics - Voluptuous Music for Passionate Nights - 2026-02-13T00:00:00.000000Z

Long Winter - 2026-02-10T00:00:00.000000Z

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