It is entirely necessary to get these 6+ hours of music.
The giant of twentieth-century Russia, who had a quite tumultuous (and fascinating) relationship with Stalin and the state, wrote both 15 string quartets and symphonies. Each display his prowess as a composer of the modern world, though he does not abandon tonality completely. This makes him a excellent choice for somebody perhaps less inclined to dive in to what is sometimes an intimidating century in the classical world.
No excuses. Listen.
