The songs of Dmitry Shostakovich reflect the process of allusion and concealment that permeated his larger-scale music, and this selection traces his musical career from light-hearted early experiments to his late work. Settings of the composers most loved poets are included, from Marina Tsvetayeva and Mikhail Lermontov to Shakespeare, as well as settings of Jewish folk poetry. The songs are richly varied and include cabaret-like moments, romantic balladry, the avantgarde and satirical subversion. Through the intimate medium of song Shostakovich managed to express the full range of his genius.