János Starker was a legendary Hungarian-American cellist, widely celebrated for his technical precision, rich tone, and expressive interpretations. Born in Budapest in 1924, he was a child prodigy who gave his first public performance at age 11 and quickly rose through the classical music world. After surviving World War II, he emigrated to the United States, where he had a storied solo career, recorded prolifically, and became a beloved teacher at Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music.
His repertoire spanned everything from Bach's beloved solo cello suites—which he recorded several times—to concertos by Dvořák, Schumann, and Prokofiev, among many others. Known for his direct, no-nonsense style, both musically and personally, Starker left an indelible mark on 20th-century cello playing, influencing generations of cellists with his disciplined approach and fiery intensity.
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