Rodion Shchedrin is regarded as one of the most important composers of Russian modernism. In his autobiographical notes, he looks back on an eventful life, offering fascinating glimpses behind the scenes of the international music scene. While doing so, Shchedrin expresses his own personal view of the political situation and life back then in the Soviet Union as well as of the effects of political-ideological repression on the artistic practice. In addition, many little anecdotes and humorous remarks reveal to the reader the author's cheerful nature and positive attitude to life. Rodion Shchedrinwas born in Moscow in 1932. He studied composition and piano at the Moscow Conservatoire and soon became an internationally sought-after artist. His ballet compositions but also his symphonies, piano concertos and chamber music works are performed at the most important theatres and opera houses throughout the world. With his wife Maya Plisetskaya, Rodion Shchedrin lives alternately in Munich an d Moscow today.