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Compared to Mozart yet accused of destroying culture, Dmitri Shostokovich was hailed in his own lifetime as a genius while also condemned by the Soviet regime. His life spanned some of the 20th century's greatest social and political upheavals and his work, while rooted in the dramatic events of the Russian revolution, Stalin's terror, World War II, the gulags, and the cold war, continues to excite controversy. The story outlines the composer's life and times through mosaic fragments, seamlessly finding theatrical equivalents for apparently nuntheatrical material. The birth of radio, morse code and Gagarin's first flight in space are juxtaposed with biographical material from Shostakovich's life, from childhood to old age. The heart of this piece is brought to a musical climax by the Emerson String Quartet performing Shostakovich's devastating final String Quartet, No 15 in E flat. Run time 1hr 30mins.

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2001 (1 listings)2002 (1 listings)