Dmitri Shostakovich composed his first symphony in 1925 as a graduation piece at the Leningrad Conservatory and his 15th symphony in 1971, four years before his death. Perhaps more than the symphonic canon of any composer in history, these works reflect the dramatic historical events of his time, in this case the 20th century and specifically the Russian Revolution, Second World War and Stalinist repression. Besides the symphonies, the cello concertos and piano concertos are also included in this set.