Dmitri Dmitriyevich Shostakovich (Russian: Дмитрий Дмитриевич Шостакович (help·info); 25 September [O.S. September 12] 1906 – 9 August 1975) was a Russian composer of the Soviet period.
After a period influenced by Prokofiev and Stravinsky (e.g. in his Symphony No. 1 of 1925), Shostakovich developed a hybrid style, as exemplified by his opera Lady Macbeth of the Mtsensk District (1934). This single work juxtaposed a wide variety of trends, including the neo-classical style (showing the influence of Stravinsky) and a form of post-romantic style (after Mahler). Shostakovich's unique approach to tonality involved the use of modal scales and some astringent neo-classical harmonies à la Hindemith and Prokofiev.[citation needed] His works frequently include sharp contrasts and elements of the grotesque.
Shostakovich prided himself on his orchestration, which is clear, economical and well-projected; this aspect of his technique owes more to Gustav Mahler than Rimsky-Korsakov. Shostakovich's most popular works are his 15 symphonies and 15 string quartets. His works for piano include two piano sonatas, an early set of preludes, a quintet, and a later set of 24 preludes and fugues. Other works include two operas, six concerti and a substantial quantity of film music.
Shostakovich rose to fame in the Soviet Union under the patronage of Leon Trotsky's chief of staff Mikhail Tukhachevsky, but later had a complex and difficult relationship with the Stalinist bureaucracy, suffering two official denunciations of his music, in 1936 and 1948, and the periodic banning of his work. At the same time, he received a number of accolades and state awards and served in the Supreme Soviet. Despite the official controversy, his works were popular and well received.
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