Pablo Casals, born on December 29, 1876, in El Vendrell, Spain, is heralded as one of the preeminent cellists of the 20th century, if not of all time. His prodigious talent for the cello became evident early in his life, leading him to study at the Conservatory of Music in Barcelona. Casals' approach to cello playing, characterized by his deep emotional expressivity and innovative techniques, significantly expanded the possibilities of the cello as a solo instrument. His recordings of Bach's Cello Suites, completed in the 1930s, remain landmark interpretations that have inspired countless musicians and brought these then relatively obscure compositions to wide public attention.

Throughout his life, Casals was not just a musician but also a fervent advocate for peace and justice. After Francisco Franco's rise to power in Spain, Casals exiled himself in protest, living primarily in Puerto Rico from the 1950s until his death on October 22, 1973. He directed the annual Pablo Casals Music Festival, which attracted musicians from around the world and helped to establish an active classical music scene in Puerto Rico. Despite the political turmoils that affected him deeply, Casals never ceased to believe in the power of music to foster humanity's betterment, famously stating, "I am a musician and nothing else, and my task is to be a spokesman for my convictions by means of my music." His legacy lives on not only through his recordings but also through the numerous young musicians he inspired and taught throughout his long and distinguished career.

Genres

Classical Cello

Related Artists

Yo-Yo Ma

Mstislav Rostropovich

Jacqueline du Pré

Steven Isserlis

Pierre Fournier

Mischa Maisky

Anner Bylsma

Lynn Harrell

Daniel Barenboim

Itzhak Perlman

Gregor Piatigorsky

Pérotin

Latest Release

Pablo Casals - El cant dels ocells

Pablo Casals

Single - Released August 30, 2024