Dmitri Shostakovich, Russian composer, 1906-1975

Dmitri Dmitriyevich Shostakovich was a Russian composer and pianist. He is regarded as one of the major composers of the 20th century, with a unique harmonic language and a historic importance due to his years of work under Stalin. A polystylist, Shostakovich developed a hybrid voice, combining a variety of different musical techniques into his works. His music is characterized by sharp contrasts, elements of the grotesque, and ambivalent tonality. Shostakovich's works include 15 symphonies and 15 string quartets, as well as a set of 24 preludes and fugues. He also composed three operas, several song cycles, ballets, and film music.