Dmitri Shostakovich was a Russian composer and pianist of the 20th century. He is considered one of the major composers of the Soviet era, and his works span a variety of genres including symphonies, concerti, film scores, and chamber music. He was also a prolific writer, having written several books and articles on music theory and composition. Shostakovich's music is often characterized by its dramatic intensity and emotional depth. He was awarded the Lenin Prize in 1960 and the Order of Lenin in 1975.