Biography
Mstislav Leopoldovich Rostropovich (27 March 1927 – 27 April 2007) was a Soviet and Russian cellist and conductor. In addition to his interpretations and technique, he was well known for both inspiring and commissioning new works, which enlarged the cello repertoire more than any cellist before or since. He inspired and premiered over 100 pieces, forming long-standing friendships and artistic partnerships with composers including Dmitri Shostakovich, Sergei Prokofiev, Nikolai Myaskovsky, Henri Dutilleux, Witold Lutosławski, Olivier Messiaen, Luciano Berio, Krzysztof Penderecki, Alfred Schnittke, Norbert Moret, Andreas Makris, Leonard Bernstein, Aram Khachaturian, and Benjamin Britten.
Rostropovich was internationally recognized as a staunch advocate of human rights, and was awarded the 1974 Award of the International League of Human Rights. He was married to the soprano Galina Vishnevskaya and had two daughters, Olga and Elena Rostropovich. He received numerous accolades, including a Polar Music Prize.
2Discography
| Artist | Title | Year | Format | Classification | Gem, favourite, must-listen | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Berliner Philharmoniker, Mstislav Rostropovich | Ballett-Suiten: Dornröschen · Schwanensee · Nußknacker = Sleeping Beauty · Swan Lake · Nutcracker Favourites | ©1984 ℗1996 | CD Compilation, Reissue, Remastered, Stereo | Classical / Baroque | Favourites |
 | Olivier Messiaen, Catherine Cantin, Heinz Holliger, Yvonne Loriod, Mstislav Rostropovich, Orchestre De L'Opéra Bastille, Myung-Whun Chung | Concert À Quatre · Les Offrandes Oubliées · Le Tombeau Resplendissant · Un Sourire Favourites | © & ℗1995 | CD Stereo | Classical / Baroque | Favourites |
26Songs
| Song | Year | Records |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Entrée | 1995 | |
| 2. Vocalise | 1995 | |
| 3. Cadenza | 1995 | |
| 4. Rondeau | 1995 | |
| B. Danse De La Fée-Dragée. Andante Non Troppo | 1996 | |
| C. Danse Russe Trépak. Tempo Di Trépak, Molto Vivace | 1996 | |
| D. Danse Arabe. Allegretto | 1996 | |
| E. Danse Chinoise. Allegro Moderato | 1996 | |
| F. Danse Des Mirlitons. Moderato Assai | 1996 | |
| I. Introduction. La Fée Des Lilas. Allegro Vivo – Andantino – Andante Sostenuto | 1996 | |
| I. Ouverture Miniature. Allegro Giusto | 1996 | |
| I. Scène. Moderato | 1996 | |
| II. Adagio: Pas D'Action. Andante – Adagio Maestoso – Tempo I – Molto Sostenuto, Quasi Più Andante – Tempo I | 1996 | |
| II. Danses Caractéristiques | A. Marche. Tempo Di Marcia Viva | 1996 | |
| II. Valse. Tempo Di Valse | 1996 | |
| III. Danse Des Cygnes. Allegro Moderato | 1996 | |
| III. Pas De Caractère: Le Chat Botté Et La Chatte Blanche. Allegro Moderato | 1996 | |
| III. Valse Des Fleurs. Tempo Di Valse | 1996 | |
| IV. Panorama. Andantino | 1996 | |
| IV. Scène. Andante – Andante Non Troppo – Tempo I | 1996 | |
| Le Tombeau Resplendissant | 1995 | |
| Les Offrandes Oubliées - Méditation Symphonique | 1995 | |
| Un Sourire | 1995 | |
| V. Danse Hongroise (Czardas). Moderato Assai – Allegro Moderato – Vivace | 1996 | |
| V. Valse Allegro (Tempo Di Valse) | 1996 | |
| VI. Scène Finale. Allegro Agitato – Alla Breve. Moderato E Maestoso | 1996 |