People are craving this great progress in electronics, going after computers, the Internet, etc. It's a giant progress technologically. But they must have a balance of soul, a balance for human beauty. That means art has an important role. Mstislav Rostropovich artbalancebeauty share on social
If I make a speech, I need a translator. But music does not need a translation. People understand me through the sound. That I think is very important. This is just one planet, like one family. Mstislav Rostropovich familyimportantmake Change image and share on social
Of course, I know everything that happens in Russia. But even at the most dangerous moment or the most negative moment now, it's still 10 times better than what it was in the communist state. Mstislav Rostropovich communistdangerousmoment Change image and share on social
Every man must have the right fearlessly to think independently and express his opinion about what he knows, what he has personally thought about and experienced, and not merely to express with slightly different variations the opinion which has been inculcated in him. Mstislav Rostropovich experienceexpressfearlessly share on social
I listened to Pablo Casals, which was a big change for me. Without hearing Casals, I would never have advanced as I did. Mstislav Rostropovich advancebigcasal Change image and share on social
I played with the best conductors of the world. Mstislav Rostropovich conductorplayworld Change image and share on social
My mother carried me for 10 months. I asked her 'Mother, you had an extra month, why you didn't make me a beautiful face?' and mother told me, 'My son, I was busy making your beautiful hands and heart.' Mstislav Rostropovich askbeautifulbusy share on social
Now I come to 75 years of age, I think what's most important in life is your conscience. If you told a lie and made other people suffer, I think that's very difficult when you reach this age. Mstislav Rostropovich ageconsciencedifficult Change image and share on social
I know that after my letter there will be undoubtedly an 'opinion' about me, but I am not afraid of it. I openly say what I think. Talent, of which we are proud, must not be submitted to the assaults of the past. Mstislav Rostropovich afraidassaultletter share on social
The cello is a hero because of its register - its tenor voice. It is a masculine instrument, whereas the violin is feminine because of its soprano pitch. When the cello enters in the Dvorak Concerto, it is like a great orator. Mstislav Rostropovich celloconcertodvorak share on social