Pablo Casals

Pablo Casals (1876–1973), also known by his Catalan name Pau Casals, was a legendary Spanish/Catalan cellist, conductor, and composer who helped redefine what the cello could be in classical music. Born in El Vendrell, Catalonia, he became internationally famous for his deeply expressive playing and for bringing J.S. Bach’s Cello Suites into the concert spotlight—works that had long been treated more like studies than major repertoire before his performances and recordings.

Beyond the stage, Casals was widely respected for his humanitarian stance and outspoken opposition to Francisco Franco’s dictatorship in Spain, which led him to live in exile for much of his later life. He also founded the Prades Festival in France and later the Casals Festival in Puerto Rico, continuing to champion chamber music and young musicians. One of the pieces most closely associated with him is the Catalan folk song “El cant dels ocells” (“Song of the Birds”), which he often performed as a musical message of peace.

Genres

Chamber Music

Classical

Related Artists

Yo-Yo Ma

Mstislav Rostropovich

Mischa Maisky

Jacqueline du Pré

Steven Isserlis

Jean-Guihen Queyras

Pierre Fournier

Anner Bylsma

Paul Tortelier

Truls Mørk

Latest Release

Song of the Birds (Arr. for 8 Cellos by Richard Birchall)

Pablo Casals•

Jan Vogler•

Neuhardenberg Ensemble

Single - Released June 19, 2026