Shostakovich Key Features

intense emotion

dark and eerie themes are woven into his pieces

Leaving his initials in the music

D, Eb, C B - DSCH

Careful instrumentation

uses a wide orchestra, including saxophones and percussion and full normal orchestra

stark contrasts

dynamic, textural and tonal

strong rhythms and energy

driving, mechanical rhythms

Funeral march

much of his music is lamenting and heavy