Biography
Considered one of the most important composers of the 20th century, versatile Dmitry Shostakovich's involvement with film began in the early '20s while he was enrolled at the Leningrad Conservatory. When not studying, he earned money accompanying silent films on the piano. Though best known for his various orchestral works, choral pieces, and operas, Shostakovich also composed around 35 film scores. He wrote his first film score in 1929 for Kozintsev and Trauberg's New Babylon. Other memorable scores include those from the Russian versions of Shakespeare's
Hamlet (1964) and
King Lear (1970). In 1963, his operetta Moscow Cheremushki was made into the film Cheremushki. Four years later, his opera Katerina Izmailova also became a feature film. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide