The greatest composer of the 20th century remains one of it's biggest mysteries. Nine days of the ocean voyage from Moscow to New York comprise the nine chapters of this documentary film about Dmitry Shostakovich. Unique, highly personal fragments of the composer's life are contrasted with the ideologically charged propaganda of the Soviet liner's staged shipboard events. The film reveals the personality of the quiet, retiring man who disliked publicity but was obliged to serve as a Soviet public figure; a genius faced with the choice between artistic freedom and harsh ideology, between truth and survival. Shostakovich's music, full of dark sarcasm and breathtaking lyricism, exaggerated joy and frightening celebration, plays the leading part in the film.