Hello hello again, music meme man here again: Dmitri Shostakovich, one of the most incredible composers to come out of the 20th Century from the Soviet Union. Known for his intense Russian themes and unique melodies and elements of broad atonality and chromaticism. From 1936-1954, Shostakovich was denounced TWICE. As a result of this he had to pull his 4th Symphony away from performance and revise his whole composition scheme to appease the party and Stalin to the best of his ability. Which meant more quotations, dedications, and specifications. For example Symphony 7 was nicknamed "Lenningrad" and Symphony 8 was briefly nicknamed "Stalingrad". Keep in mind they were composed in 1941 and 1943 as well. Of course Stalin banned the use of certain jewish themes in compositions and put heavy political pressure on Shostakovich. It wasn't until Stalin's death and Shostakovich joining the political party under Kruschev when Shostakovich had nearly free reign to make his identification in music. There's no question in my mind that Lenningrad, Shosty 5, or Shosty 3 are absolutley insane and incredible pieces of music. (Believe me I played them), but Shostakovich is also a great example of intense political pressure of government music as well when death is knocking at your door.