Mstislav Rostropovich

The Profile

Mstislav Rostropovich (1927–2007) was a Soviet-born Russian cellist and conductor, universally acclaimed for his artistry and advocacy of new repertoire. Composers including Shostakovich and Britten wrote major works for him. He performed Bach at the Berlin Wall in 1989 and played the 1711 Duport Stradivarius.

Nicknamed “Slava”; legendary cellist and conductor; inspired works by Shostakovich (two cello concertos), Prokofiev (Symphony-Concerto and Concertino), and Britten (sonata and three suites); performed at the Berlin Wall in 1989; played a 1711 Duport Stradivarius.

A heartfelt obituary-tribute hails Rostropovich as a towering cellist and musician. The review praises his singular tone, expressive range, and definitive Bach Cello Suites. It recalls works written for him by Shostakovich, Britten, and Prokofiev, and his 1989 Berlin Wall performance on the 1711 Duport Stradivarius. The piece frames him as an irreplaceable giant of music.