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'''Dmitri Shostakovich''' (1906-1975) was a [[Russia]]n [[composer]] who worked in many different styles and forms.  While he is primarily known for his symphonies and string quartets, he also composed several operas, orchestral suites, concertos, and much piano music.  Shostakovich actually began his musical career as a pianist in a silent movie theater; these influences can be seen in his first Trumpet Concerto (Op. 35), which features piano obbligato.

'''Dmitri Shostakovich''' (1906-1975) was a [[Russia]]n [[composer]] who worked in many different styles and forms.  While he is primarily known for his symphonies and string quartets, he also composed several operas, orchestral suites, concertos, and much piano music.  Shostakovich actually began his musical career as a pianist in a silent movie theater; these influences can be seen in his first Piano Concerto (Op. 35a), which features trumpet obbligato.

Shostakovich has been criticized for composing "banal" [[music]] due to the restrictions placed on him by the [[Communist Party]].  However, most critics feel that he was able to successfully transcend these restrictions and create great works of art.  In addition, many of his works have been interpreted by critics as being ''intentionally'' banal as a way of satirising the Soviet regime.  A well-known example of this [needs a citation] is the conclusion of the Fifth Symphony, viewed by the authorities as a triumphant conclusion.  However, later, in his alleged memoirs "Testimony", Shostakovich was supposed to have said that the end of the Fifth symphony is about enforced rejoicing.  The authenticity of "Testimony", however, is disputed, and hence this, and much else that has been surmised about Shostakovich's intentions, has to be taken as a matter of conjecture.

Shostakovich has been criticized for composing "banal" [[music]] due to the restrictions placed on him by the [[Communist Party]].  However, most critics feel that he was able to successfully transcend these restrictions and create great works of art.  In addition, many of his works have been interpreted by critics as being ''intentionally'' banal as a way of satirising the Soviet regime.  A well-known example of this [needs a citation] is the conclusion of the Fifth Symphony, viewed by the authorities as a triumphant conclusion.  However, later, in his alleged memoirs "Testimony", Shostakovich was supposed to have said that the end of the Fifth symphony is about enforced rejoicing.  The authenticity of "Testimony", however, is disputed, and hence this, and much else that has been surmised about Shostakovich's intentions, has to be taken as a matter of conjecture.