Composing the Modern Subject Four String Quartets by Dmitri Shostakovich

'...[this review can] give no idea of the subtlety and fluidity with which Reichardt moves between musical surfaces, deep-lying structures, musicological and cultural theory, or the fine balance she maintains between deep probing of the moment and broad consideration of large-scale experiential drama. Her writing is persuasive without being coercive.' Music and Letters '...the attempt made in Composing the Modern Subject to examine the ways in which Shostakovich's music continues to resonate with modern audiences bears careful reading....the seriousness with which it takes the quartets is testimony to their enduring expressive power.' Tempo 'Reichardt writes lucidly, intelligently and confidently, and guides us deftly through the complexities of psychoanalytical terminology and musical analysis.' Slavonic and East European Review