The correct answer is:
C) lived most of his life under the Soviet system.
1. Dmitri Shostakovich was a prominent Russian composer who lived during the Soviet era.
2. He faced significant challenges due to the strict artistic censorship and political environment of the Soviet Union.
3. Shostakovich's music often reflected the tumultuous times he lived in, incorporating themes of struggle and defiance against the Soviet regime.
4. His works were both praised and criticized by the authorities, leading to periods of artistic suppression and resurgence throughout his career.
5. Understanding his life under the Soviet system is crucial to appreciating the context and complexity of his compositions.