About the book: 2006 / The author of the book, Krzysztof Meyer, a famous Polish composer and musicologist, in the early 60s managed to fulfill his dream - to meet his outstanding contemporary - D. D. Shostakovich. Communicating with the Master, listening to his music, K. Meyer sought to reveal the mystery of Shostakovich, to understand this bright and controversial personality. The result of these thoughts was this biography - a fascinating narrative about the life and work of the Russian genius, presenting the figure of the composer against the backdrop of the dramatic events of his era.