Final answer:
Dmitri Shostakovich acknowledged George Gershwin's unique and influential contributions to music, but he did not specifically compare Gershwin's work to that of Igor Stravinsky or Gustav Mahler. The correct answer to the question is (D) None of the above, suggesting that no documented comparison exists directly linking Gershwin to Stravinsky or Mahler.
Step-by-step explanation:
Dmitri Shostakovich, a prominent Soviet composer, held great respect for the works of various composers from different backgrounds. His comparison of George Gershwin's works, not with his own, Stravinsky's, or Mahler's, signifies his recognition of Gershwin's uniqueness and contributions to music. There is a famous anecdote where Shostakovich praised Gershwin by equating him with the likes of Johann Sebastian Bach and Ludwig van Beethoven, acknowledging Gershwin's melodious, rhythmical language and his ability to capture the sense of an era within his music.
It's important to note that while Shostakovich admired many composers, the comparison directly attributing Gershwin's work to the level of Igor Stravinsky or Gustav Mahler is not well-documented. Therefore, the correct answer to the question seems to be (D) None of the above, as Shostakovich did not compare Gershwin specifically to Stravinsky or Mahler.