Shostakovich was ever the chronicler of the relationship between Russia and the Soviet Regime: his works told the tale from the bright and optimistic inception to the alienation of creatives under Stalin's pressure to supply music that buttressed the regime's ideals. His own push and pull with the regime's strictures made his music a fascinating narrative of his era. This 51-disc release is the most complete Shostakovich edition ever compiled  performed by Russian musical luminaries and even featuring the composer himself in historic recordings.