Dmitri Dmitriyevich Shostakovich was a famous Russian composer and pianist, who is remembered for his dramatic symphonies. He was born into a musical family in the beginning of the 20th century in St. Petersburg, Russia. His family had Siberian descent. He learned to play piano from his mother at the age of nine, after which he joined the Petrograd Conservatory. After six years of intense training in music, he graduated from the Conservatory at the age of 19. His graduation piece ‘Symphony No. 1 in F Minor’ brought him instant fame. Later, he wrote 14 more symphonies; and the fifth, the seventh and the 13th of which became very popular. In addition to writing symphonies, Shostakovich also produced seven operas, four ballets, 12 musical comedies, 36 original motion picture scores, a number of cantatas and chamber music, etc. Unfortunately, the major part of his musical career coincided with the totalitarian rule in Russia; therefore, he had to face denunciations twice in his life. Yet, he bounced back each time and became the undisputed leader of Russian music after Sergei Prokofiev.