One of the pre-eminent cellists of the 20th century, Mstislav Rostropovich is also an important conductor and sponsor. He has recorded practically all works written for cello, and continues to inspire additions to the repertoire.
Rostropovich was born in the city of Baku, in present-day Azerbaijan, on . Both his parents were musicians, and he began musical studies in early childhood. He played his first cello concerto with an orchestra at age 13. At 16, he was accepted at...