Philip Ross Bullock, Professor of Russian Literature and Music at the University of Oxford and always a brilliantly engaging speaker, explores the life and music of Dmitry Shostakovich in the 50th-anniversary year of the composer’s death. Throughout his life, Shostakovich faced censorship and criticism, developing a powerful yet enigmatic musical style that concealed his true sentiments. His extensive catalogue of songs is the most revealing of all his works for anyone wishing to understand the true depth of this fascinating composer.