Composer Series: Dmitri Shostakovich

Up next in our composer series: Dmitri Shostakovich! 

Dmitri Shostakovich
9/25/1906 - 8/9/1975 

Dmitri Shostakovich was a Soviet and Russian composer and pianist. 

He was what’s called a polystylist—he used multiple styles and techniques in his compositions.   

Shostakovich faced much adversity as a composer under the soviet regime. 

Multiple times, Shostakovich withdrew work under the threat of Soviet authorities.   

Shostakovich was officially censured in 1962 for his Symphony No.13, ‘Babi Yar.’ The piece condemns anti-Semitism and injustice. 

Our favorites: 
Symphony No.5 
String Quartet No.8 in C Minor, Op.47 

What composer do you want use to feature next?! Tell us in the comments!

Composer Series: Florence Price

Our next composer feature—Florence Price!

Florence Price 
1887-1953 

Florence Price was an American classical composer, pianist, organist, and music teacher. 

Price is noted as the first black woman to be recognized as a symphonic composer. And her piece, Symphony No. 1 in E minor was the first piece composed by a black woman to be performed by a major American symphony orchestra. 

She studied at the New England Conservatory of Music and graduated with honors. Later, she also attended Chicago Musical College, Chicago Teacher's College, University of Chicago, and American Conservatory of Music. 

By the end of her life, Price’s works numbered over 300 (unfortunately most remain unpublished). 

Our Favorites: 
Symphony No. 1 in E minor 
Violin Concerto No. 2 in D minor 
Adoration for Organ

Music Connects!

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Thank you for sharing a piece of your musical story with us Ann!

“Playing oboe at summer camp inspired me to want to become a musician. I'm grateful for all of the wonderful instruction and inspiration I received from teachers through the years, and hope that I am also an inspiration for my students! I'm still friends with musicians I knew back in middle school and high school! Music continues to be a way we can connect online if not in person!”

#iplayhere

Share something about your musical journey in the comments!