Dmitri Dmitriyevich Shostakovich (25 September [O.S. 12 September] 1906 – 9 August 1975) was a Soviet-era Russian composer and pianist. He became internationally famous upon the premiere of his First Symphony in 1926 and throughout his life was regarded as one of the major composers of the 20th century.
Shostakovich achieved early fame in the Soviet Union, but had a complex relationship with its government, from which he earned state awards and privileges. His opera Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk (1934) eventually elicited significant displeasure—including a scathing review—from the Soviet government and put his career at risk. In 1948 his work was denounced under the Zhdanov Doctrine, with professional consequences lasting for several years. After his censure was rescinded in 1956, performances of his music occasionally remained subject to state interventions, as with his Thirteenth Symphony (1962). He was a member of the Supreme Soviet of the RSFSR (1947) and the Supreme Soviet of the Soviet Union (from 1962 until his death), as well as Chairman of the RSFSR Union of Composers (1960–1968).
Shostakovich combined a variety of different musical techniques in his works. They are characterized by sharp contrasts, elements of the grotesque, and ambivalent tonality; he was also heavily influenced by neoclassicism and by the late Romanticism of Gustav Mahler. His orchestral works include 15 symphonies and six concerti (two each for piano, violin and cello). His chamber output includes 15 string quartets, a piano quintet, and two piano trios. His solo piano works include two sonatas, an early set of 24 preludes, and a later set of 24 preludes and fugues. Stage works include three completed operas and three ballets. Shostakovich also wrote several song cycles, and a substantial quantity of music for theatre and film.
Shostakovich's reputation has continued to grow after his death. Scholarly interest has increased significantly since the late 20th century, including considerable debate about the relationship between his music and his attitudes to the Soviet Communist government.
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Some of their strengths
Dmitri Shostakovich has many admirable traits.
Based on spiritual traditions from around the world, they are someone who can be described as Practical, Diplomatic, Loyal, Generous, Optimistic, Confident, and Ambitious.
Intelligent and Inquisitive
According to Mysticism’s Astrology tradition, Dmitri Shostakovich is someone who is an intelligent, inquisitive, and imaginative person, who is practical, considerate, kind, and diplomatic in dealings with others. A person who is ambitious and motivated.
Adventurous and Free
Based on Daoism’s Ba-Zi or ‘Chinese Zodiac’ tradition, people who know Dmitri Shostakovich well know them as someone who can be talented, wayward and free, like a big river or the ocean.
Organized and Achievement-oriented
According to Hinduism’s Jyotisha or ‘Vedic Astrology’ tradition, many would also describe Dmitri Shostakovich as someone who is organized, goal-oriented, practical, and persevering.
Who is hardworking, intellectual, and easygoing, who loves higher education and learning and sharing ideas with others, and who loves healthy competition.
Wise and Deep
Based on the Mayan Tzolk’in or ‘Mayan Astrology’ tradition, Dmitri Shostakovich is someone who tends to have an internal innate wisdom, and who people tend to see as an "old soul".
They are also someone who is curious, dynamic, and positive, and who enjoys inspiring and communicating with other people.
Justice-seeking and Peaceful
According to Judaism’s Kabbalah tradition, Dmitri Shostakovich tends to be someone who loves peace and is ready to go to any costs to achieve it. Who has a taste for the good things in life, tends to be a good organizer, has a thirst for knowledge, and who tends to have the respect of friends and acquaintances.
Some of Dmitri Shostakovich's challenges
While Dmitri Shostakovich has many strengths, nobody is perfect. They also have some challenging traits they need to manage.
For example, Dmitri Shostakovich can be Selfish, Hesitant, Narcissistic, Suspicious, Stubborn, Callous, and Temperamental.
Hesitant and Narcissistic
One of Dmitri Shostakovich's key challenges is that they are someone who can be hesitant and narcissistic.
Dmitri Shostakovich must also exercise caution as they can have a hard time reconciling wants and needs, and can be excessive and unrealistic.
Callous and Selfish
Dmitri Shostakovich is someone who can be standoffish, pessimistic, and ruthless, who can have difficulty concentrating and be impatient, can have difficulty discovering the keys to personal contentment, and who can have a tendency to overwork and hoard wealth and possessions.
Pleasure-seeking and Indecisive
Finally, Dmitri Shostakovich also can put others first too much, and hem-and-haw too much when making a decision.
