Cellist (Da Capo Press Music Reprint Series)

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Summary: The Exciting Life of a 20th Century Virtuoso!
Review: One of the greatest cellist of any time, Piatigorsky relates the state of music as seen by a poor peasant in Russia whos only gift was his great talent. He had to survive the Russian Revolution, escape to the west, and survive in post WW 1 Germany seeking a career. He was befriended by Artur Schnabel and became official first cellist of the Berlin Philharmonic under Furtwaengler. He turned soloist and migrated to the United States with Valadimir Horowitz and Milstein. He was a frequent guest with all of American major orchestras, playing with Toscanini and Koussevitzky. His stories of music, musicians, and composers adds much insight and background to what otherwise would be colorless resitals of many great musical events of the 20th century. Piatigorsky truly believes in the power of music as a force for good in the world.