polystylism

The deliberate use of multiple contrasting stylistic idioms within a single work — Baroque counterpoint, Soviet march music, jazz-influenced dance, lyrical Romanticism — as a compositional strategy. Shostakovich employs this across the Op. 87 cycle and the later piano sonatas.

When styles shift abruptly, commit fully to each idiom rather than seeking a unified middle ground. The contrast itself is expressive and intentional.