Dmitri Shostakovich 25 September [O.S. 12 September] 1906 – 9 August 1975
Symphony No. 5 in D minor Op. 47
Symphony No. 10 in E Minor Op. 93
String Quartet No. 8 Op. 110
Romance Movement 8 from The Gadfly Suite, Op. 97a
By Unknown author – Original publication: Газета «Красная звезда» №86 (5150) от 12 апреля 1942 годаImmediate source: Государственный каталог Музейного фонда Российской Федерации, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=96288935
Dmitri Dmitriyevich Shostakovich was a significant Soviet composer and pianist, born on 25 September 1906 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. He gained fame after the premiere of his First Symphony in 1926. Shostakovich had a complicated relationship with the Soviet government, with his opera Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk initially being successful, but later condemned. This led to professional challenges, particularly under state censorship.
Throughout his career, Shostakovich produced numerous works, including 15 symphonies, string quartets, and concertos for various instruments. His music often featured striking contrasts and elements of the grotesque, influenced by other composers like Gustav Mahler. He also engaged with political themes, especially during and after the Second World War, using his music to comment on the struggles of his time.
After his passing, his reputation continued to grow. Many scholars explored the meaning behind his music, particularly its connection to his experiences under Soviet rule.
*Old Style (O.S.) and New Style (N.S.) indicate dating systems before and after a calendar change, respectively. Usually, they refer to the change from the Julian calendar to the Gregorian calendar as enacted in various European countries between 1582 and 1923.
