Shostakovich: A Life Remembered

Shostakovich: A Life Remembered by Wilson, Elizabeth. paperback edition. ISBN: 9780571220502.

Shostakovich: A Life Remembered is a unique study of the great composer Dmitri Shostakovich, based on reminiscences from his contemporaries: family members, friends, fellow musicians and other prominent figures of the time. Elizabeth Wilson covers the composers life from his early successes to his struggles under the Stalinist regime, and his international recognition as one of the leading composers of the 20th century. She builds up a detailed picture of Shostakovichs creative processes, how he was perceived by contemporaries and of the increased contrast between his private life and public image as his fame increased. This revised edition, produced to coincide with the centenary of Shostakovichs birth, draws on many new writings on the composer. This provides both a more detailed and focused image of Shostakovichs life, and a wider view of his cultural background. A particular aspect of Shostakovich which is revealed in this new edition is his sardonic and witty sense of humour, displayed in many of his letters to close friends. Shostakovich: A Life Remembered provides fascinating insight into the complex personality and the musical life of this great composer, and examines his position as one of the major figures of cultural life in 20th century Russia.