You may not be familiar with Mieczysław Weinberg—but this Russian composer of Polish origin is considered one of the most important figures of Soviet-era music, often as highly regarded as Prokofiev or Shostakovich. The latter's work is particularly important when it comes to understanding Weinberg's music, as the two were good friends who influenced each other greatly through letters and conversations about their artistic processes. Censored, then arrested on Stalin's orders in February 1953, Weinberg escaped a grim fate only through the death of the Soviet premier some months later. He continued to compose until his death in 1996, leaving behind more than 150 works, ranging from operas to solo instrumental pieces.