In 1925, at the end of his years at the St Petersburg Conservatory, the 18-year-old Dmitri Shostakovich presented Symphony No.1 in F minor, op.10, as the final work of his studies. This remarkable composition not only showcased his compositional maturity but also unveiled his distinctive tonal language. Such renowned conductors as Bruno Walter, Leopold Stokowski, and Arturo Toscanini were immediately impressed by its quality. The symphony quickly gained recognition, with numerous performances in Europe and the USA securing its place in the symphonic repertoire.