International Cello Day

In honor of the Spanish composer and conductor Pablo Casals, International Cello Day was established and widely celebrated on December 29 The Catalan, born in 1876, had already mastered the violin, flute and piano by the age of 4 Later P Casals began to play the cello This bowed-string instrument became the main instrument for the musician, who performed with the orchestras of A Ziloti, S Rachmaninov and A Goldenweiser On the birthday of Pablo Casals, International Cello Day is celebrated - International Cello Day The Catalan was also widely known as a public figure Thanks to Casals, the Barcelona Symphony Orchestra was created, which he conducted until 1936 Since 1924, he organized a music magazine and concerts on Sundays for workers in Catalonia Because of Franco's regime, Casals emigrated from Spain in 1936 But even while living in Puerto Rico, he did not stop popularizing classical music and cello playing Pablo Casals initiated the creation of festivals in San Juan and Prada He wrote several oratorios and the "Hymn of Peace" for the UN Casals was distinguished by an uncompromising moral position and loyalty to moral ideals As a sign of protest and disagreement with the dictatorship of fascism, he, along with other musicians, refused extensive concert activity It is therefore no coincidence that, when presenting Casals with the Legion of Honor (an award established by Napoleon Bonaparte) in 1945, the French Prime Minister said: “You are one of the voices of the world’s conscience” The circle of outstanding cellists also includes Pierre Fournier, Andre Navarre, Paul Tortelier, Maurice Marcheal and Jacqueline Dupre World-famous Russian-speaking musicians and composers include KA Minyar-Beloruchev, AV Kuznetsov, NG Gutman and, of course, ML Rostropovich The cello was their favorite instrument But they continued the traditions of P Casals not only in music Thus, M Rostropovich is widely known for his social activities and uncompromising position regarding political repression At the dacha of the musician and his wife, opera singer VI Vishnevskaya, the disgraced writer, future Nobel laureate, AI lived in the guest house for more than 5 years Solzhenitsyn The cello as a musical instrument appeared in the 16th century Since then, her parts have been included in sonnets, suites, variations and unaccompanied concerts Possessing wide expressive capabilities, the cello is in demand both in solo roles and as part of a string ensemble or symphony orchestra She is called upon to help when it is necessary to emphasize the lyricism or tragedy of the moment Everyone who appreciates the passionate sound of a musical instrument and the skill of virtuosos celebrates International Cello Day on December 29