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Sad news from the NY Times:

April 27, 2007
Mstislav Rostropovich, Cellist and Conductor, Dies
By ALLAN KOZINN
Mstislav Rostropovich, a cellist and conductor who was renowned not only as one of the great instrumentalists of the 20th century, but also as an outspoken champion of artistic freedom in Russia during the final decades of the Cold War, died in Moscow today. He was 80 and lived in Paris, with homes in Moscow, St. Petersburg, London and Lausanne, Switzerland.

The Russian Federal Agency for Culture and Cinematography confirmed that Mr. Rostropovich died in a Moscow hospital after a long illness. His press secretary would not release the cause of death.

Mr. Rostropovich was hospitalized in Paris at the end of January, but decided to fly to Moscow, where he has been in and out of hospitals and sanitoriums since early February.

Russia’s president, Vladimir V. Putin called Mr. Rostropovich’s death “a tremendous loss for Russian culture.â€

80 is far too young. We'll miss you, Slava.

To this day, seeing him perform the Dvorak is still my most moving musical experience. Very sad indeed.

Hands down, MR was one of the most musical performers ever recorded. His playing was one of my first introductions to solo string music; needless to say I became a lifelong fan of the 'cello.

Slava was my favorite cello player. He is missed terribly.

I was fortunate enough to see Rostropovich in a masterclass while I was a student at the RNCM. It was one of the most memorable experiences in my entire life. He was the consumate musician and teacher. His massive contributions to this world has touched us all musically and has enriched our lives as human beings.

The world owes a great deal of thanks to Maestro Rostropovich and we will all miss him terribly.

"fiddles, food, females, friends, and fodka"

He would have made a great tubist.

With eyes misty, we raise our glasses:

Slava!, Slava