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