Mstislav rostropovich biography of martin

Born Mstislav Leopoldovich Rostropovich on March 27, 1927 in Baku, Azerbaijan (Former Soviet Union); son of Leopold Rostropovich (a professional musician) and Sofia Fedotova-Rostropovich (a pianist); married in May 1955 to Galina Vishnevskaya (an opera singer); children: Olga (daughter) and Elena (daughter).

Education: Gnesin Institute (Moscow); Moscow Conservatory; studied with Semyon Kozolupov; Sergei Prokofiev; Dmitri Shostakovich. Addresses: Management--Columbia Artists Management Inc., 165 W. 57th St., New York, NY 10019.

Among the many great artists produced by the former Soviet Union over the course of its recent history, few have enjoyed the prominence of Mstislav Rostropovich.

Considered by many critics to be the greatest cellist in the world today, Rostropovich is equaled in stature only by Pablo Casals, the legendary early twentieth century innovator who transformed the cello from an orchestral supporting player to a principal star.

Rostropovich's talent is not limit