Mstislav Leopoldovich Rostropovich[a] (27 March 1927 – 27 April 2007) was a Russian cellist and conductor. In addition to his interpretations and technique, he was well known for both inspiring and …

Mstislav Rostropovich, Russian conductor, pianist, and one of the best-known cellists of the 20th century. He was admired for his keen musicianship, both in contemporary works and in the …

He made his cello debut in 1940 and conducting debut in 1961 in Russia. Mstislav Rostropovich is internationally recognized as an outspoken defender of human rights. Considered the world's …

Apr 15, 2025 · Mstislav Rostropovich was the most influential cellist of any era and one of the greatest cellists of all time. His legacy is astonishing: he premiered nearly 200 works in his lifetime, many …

Mstislav Rostropovich was a Russian cellist, pianist, conductor, pedagogue and political figure whose international performances and public appearances symbolized the struggle of intellectuals against …

Rostropovich received many international awards, including the French Legion of Honor and honorary doctorates from many international universities. He was an activist, fighting for freedom of expression …

Rostropovich’s legacy endures through his contributions to music, his pioneering efforts to restore original operatic scores, and his enduring commitment to social issues, making him a multifaceted …

Few musicians inspired, and premiered, more great music than the Russian cellist Mstislav Rostropovich. A friend of Shostakovich, Prokofiev, Britten, Dutilleux, Khachaturian, Messiaen, …

Rostropovich’s conducting career began in the Soviet Union in 1961; his American debut came in 1975. He was named music director of the National Symphony Orchestra in Washington, D.C., in 1977, a …

As a pianist, Rostropovich frequently accompanies his wife, the soprano Galina Vishnevskaya (1926– ), whom he married in 1955. He made his conducting debut in 1968 at the Bolshoi Theatre and since …