Dmitri Dmitriyevich Shostakovich was a Russian composer and pianist considered one of the important composers of the 20th century. He gained fame in the Soviet Union with support from the Soviet chief of staff, but later had a complicated and difficult relationship with the government. Despite this, he received several state awards and held roles in the Supreme Soviet of the RSFSR in 1947 and later the Supreme Soviet of the Soviet Union from 1962 until his death. Shostakovich developed a unique style by blending different musical techniques in his work, making his music sharp and contrasting with some strange or unusual elements. His style also shows influence from the neo-classical work of Igor Stravinsky and the late Romantic music of Gustav Mahler, especially in his symphonies. This mix gave his compositions a special character with complex feelings and moods. His large body of work includes 15 symphonies and six concertos for orchestra. He also wrote 15 string quartets, a piano quintet, two piano trios, and pieces for string octet in chamber music. For solo piano, he composed two sonatas, an early group of preludes, and later a collection of 24 preludes and fugues. Additionally, he created three operas, multiple song cycles, ballets, and many pieces of film music. Among his well-known film music are The Second Waltz, Op. 99, and music for the movie The First Echelon (1955–1956). He also composed suites for the film The Gadfly, which remain recognized works from his wide range of compositions.