10 Facts about Dmitri Shostakovich

Tuesday, September 27th 2016. | Music

Facts about Dmitri Shostakovich will talk about the notable Soviet pianist and composer. He was born on 25th September 1906 and died on 9 August 1975. His full name was Dmitri Dmitriyevich Shostakovich. In 20th century, he was considered as a notable musician. In the later life, he faced turmoil relationship with the government even though he rose to fame due to the patronage of Mikhail Tukhachevsky. Check other interesting facts about Shostakovich below:

Facts about Dmitri Shostakovich 1: the characteristics of Shostakovich

Can you mention the characteristics of Shostakovich’s music? You can spot the ambivalent tonality, grotesque elements and sharp contrast.

Facts about Dmitri Shostakovich 2: a poly stylist

Shostakovich was a poly stylist where he combined different kinds of music techniques in his works. You can also spot the hybrid voice in the music of Shostakovich.

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Facts about Dmitri Shostakovich 3: the neo-classical style

It seems that the neo-classical style affected the music of Shostakovich. Igor Stravinsky is considered as the pioneer of such musical style. Gustav Mahler’s music also influenced him.

Facts about Dmitri Shostakovich 4: the awards and accolades

In 1962 until his death, Shostakovich was the recipient of the Supreme Soviet of the Soviet Union. In 1947 until 1962, he was in Supreme Soviet of the RSFSR. Get facts about DJing here.

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Facts about Dmitri Shostakovich 5: the works of Shostakovich

There are 15 symphonies and 6 concerti in the orchestral works of Shostakovich. He also created 2 works for string octet, 2 piano trios, a piano quintet and 15 string quartets.

Facts about Dmitri Shostakovich 6: the piano works of Shostakovich

Shostakovich had created two solo sonatas for his piano works. He also created song ballets, cycles and three operas.

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Facts about Dmitri Shostakovich 7: film music

The First Echelon was the film, which featured the musical work of Shostakovich. He created The Second Waltz, Op.99. Check facts about Dixieland Jazz here.

Facts about Dmitri Shostakovich 8: the early life

There were three children in his family. Shostakovich was the second child. His birthplace was located in Saint Petersburg, Russia. His parents were Dmitri Boleslavovich Shostakovich and Sofiya Vasilievna Kokoulina.

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Facts about Dmitri Shostakovich 9: Hamlet

Shostakovich also participated in the production of Hamlet. It was a Russian film where he composed the music in 1964.

Facts about Dmitri Shostakovich 10: death of Shostakovich

On 9 August 1975, Shostakovich passed away because of lung cancer. Viola Sonata was his last work. On 28 December 1975, the work was performed for the first time.