I was deeply saddened this week to hear of the death of Mstislav Rostropovich, our beloved Slava. Anyone who ever performed under his baton knew him as Slava. The delight in his eyes when we sang particularly well or provided phrasing just as he wanted gave those of us in the chorus such joy.
What I loved the most was seeing the hugs and kisses he gave to the soloists and to Bob Shafer, when Bob came out to be acknowledged for his preparation of the chorus. To describe Slava as effusive is understating the enthusiasm and absolute bone-deep love he brought to his music-making.
What fun to read his daughter's statement:
"He is a passionate man and he has a real lust for life, and his
marriage is stronger because of it," his daughter Olga said when
asked by the Internet Cello Society in 2003 about his love for the
five Fs - "fiddles, food, females, friends and fodka."
I'll share with you three articles, if you're interested in reading more about this genius of a musician.
ABC News International
Lambert Orkis's memories
Transcript of Tim Page's online chat, "Rostropovich Remembered"
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