Dmitri Shostakovich: A Man of Many Faces

This documentary commemorates the 40th anniversary of Shostakovich's death. It focuses on significant events in his life, particularly the 1936 banning of his opera Lady Macbeth of the Mtsensk District and his 1948 labeling as a "formalist and cosmopolitan." These events highlight the challenges he faced under a repressive regime.

The film features rare footage of Shostakovich, including him talking and performing his Concerto for Piano, Trumpet, and Strings. It also includes powerful performances of his symphonies and concertos by Valery Gergiev and the Mariinsky Orchestra, as well as excerpts from Lady Macbeth and his quartets. This rich visual and auditory experience provides insight into the composer's indomitable spirit and artistic legacy.