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2004 release. Dmitry Shostakovich (1906-1975) Ballet Suites Nos. 1-4 performed by the Russian Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Dmitry Yablonsky. Recorded in Studio 5, Russian State TV Radio Company Kultura, Moscow, May 26-June 1, 2003. Although the symphonies, string quartets & concertos represent the core of his achievement, Shostakovich entered into the spirit of 'light music' with enjoyment & enthusiasm. The Ballet Suites, four suites of light orchestral music assembled by the composer from his stage, film & ballet scores & prepared for publication by Lev Atovmyan in 1949, were originally intended as material for radio broadcasts & promotion through "approved" Soviet outlets. These entertaining suites will come as a surprise to those who know him only as a 'serious' composer.