Slava!

Renowned cellist and conductor Mstislav Rostropovich passed away today, at the age of 80. The New York Times has a thorough obituary, remembering him as an “outspoken champion of artistic freedom in Russia”, and as one of the finest cellist and musicians of this century. Slava’s (his nickname) catalog on eMusic is limited, but represents the scope of his musicality. Take time to listen to one of his earliest recordings, a recital of Bach’s Solo Cello Suites (and more) recorded in 1956. He was only 29 when he recorded these monster works, but sounds decades more mature. Rostropovich’s close relationship with composer Dmitri Shostakovich (who composed both of his cello concertos for him) infused his interpretations of Shostakovich’s music with an emotional immediacy and significance that few others could match. Listen to him conduct Symphony No. 8 and Symphony No. 11 with the LSO - it’s hard not to get goosebumps.