Dmitri Dmitriyevich Shostakovich Russian pronunciation: [ˈdmʲitrʲɪj ˈdmʲitrʲɪɪvʲɪt͡ɕ ʂəstɐˈkovʲɪt͡ɕ] was a Soviet Russian composer and pianist and was one of the most celebrated composers of the 20th century. Shostakovich achieved 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 government. Nevertheless, he received accolades and state awards and served in the Supreme Soviet... of the RSFSR and the USSR . After a period influenced by Sergei Prokofiev and Igor Stravinsky, Shostakovich developed a hybrid style, as exemplified by Lady Macbeth of the Mtsensk District . This single work juxtaposed a wide variety of trends, including the neo-classical style and post-Romanticism . Sharp contrasts and elements of the grotesque characterize much of his music. Shostakovich's orchestral works include 15 symphonies and six concerti.
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| Birthdate: | September 26, 1906 |
| Birthplace: | Saint Petersburg |
| Date of death: | August 9, 1975 |
| Education: | Saint Petersburg Conservatory |
| Religion: | Atheism |
| Also known as: | Дмитрий Дмитриевич Шостакович, Shostakovich, Shostakovitch |