Dmitri Shostakovich (1906 - 1975) is one of the great classical composers
of the twentieth century. His oeuvre includes 15 symphonies and 15 string
quartets, operas, music for film and theatre, chamber music and concerti.
Shostakovich lived under the watchful eye of the Soviet regime, through
war and deprivation and terror. His career fluctuated according to the
political climate. Like other artists of his era, he sometimes had to
strike a balance between his own artistic inclinations and the demands
of the state. David Fanning writes in Grove’s Dictionary of Music
and Musicians that:
"Amid the conflicting pressures of official requirements, the
mass suffering of his fellow countrymen, and his personal ideals of humanitarian
and public service, he succeeded in forging a musical language of colossal
emotional power."
CBC Radio Two celebrated Shostakovich’s legacy with special programming
during November 2006 that included live concerts, documentaries, listener
requests and more.