Mstislav Rostropovich dead at age 80

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Mstislav Rostropovich dead at age 80

Posted: 4/27/07 at 8:52am

MOSCOW - Mstislav Rostropovich, the ebullient master cellist who courageously fought for the rights of Soviet-era dissidents and later triumphantly played Bach suites below the crumbling Berlin Wall, has died. He was 80.

"The passing of Mstislav Rostropovich is a bitter blow to our culture," said author Alexander Solzhenitsyn, who was sheltered by Rostropovich during his bitter fight against Soviet authorities in the 1970s.

"He gave Russian culture worldwide fame. Farewell, beloved friend," Solzhenitsyn said, according to ITAR-Tass.

RIP.
Thank you for what you gave the world.
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"Two drifters off to see the world. There's such a lot of world to see. . ."

re: Mstislav Rostropovich dead at age 80

Posted: 4/27/07 at 8:59am

One of the greatest memories of my life:

When I lived in DC, I used to spend HOURS at the Library of Congress - which is basically Mecca for old library hounds like me.

Mr. Rostropovich used to spend time in the music library researching scores. Even though they obviously had recordings of everything available, he didn't want or need them. He would just sit at a table with the score laid out in front of him, and 'conduct' the entire piece in his head. I literally sat and watched him do this for days on end. It is one of the most perfect expressions of pure art I have ever had the priveledge of witnessing.

RIP, Sir, and thank you for sharing your immense gift with the world.

re: Mstislav Rostropovich dead at age 80

Posted: 4/27/07 at 9:00am

oh, DG, what a wonderful experience!

I have long admired him as a human being, and been in awe of his musical gifts, which he shared so beautifully.

A life well lived.

"Two drifters off to see the world. There's such a lot of world to see. . ."

re: Mstislav Rostropovich dead at age 80

Posted: 4/27/07 at 9:07am

Addy - it was truly remarkable. I always wondered if he knew I was there - I mean, I did this a LOT - but he never seemed bothered.

I always wished I could be in the place he went to in his mind. I thought it had to be someplace like Beethoven had available to him once the hearing was gone.

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