1903
Luigi Silva
(13 November 1903 – 29 November 1961)
Italian-American cellist and teacher
Here is a 1938 recording he made of his transcription of the “Vitali” Chaconne with pianist Erik Schönsee:
1921
Joonas Kokkonen
(13 November 1921 – 2 October 1996)
Finnish composer
Here is his Sonata for cello and piano performed by cellist Janne Virkkala and pianist Risto Kyrö:
1925
Paul W. Whear
(13 November 1925 – 25 March 2021)
American composer, conductor, music educator, and double-bassist
Here is his Sonata for unaccompanied cello (1978) performed by Karen Becker:
Here is his “Parisot,” in an adaptation of his earlier work, “Parisot for 12 Cellos,” written as a tribute to his friend and colleague, Aldo Parisot, premiered by the Yale Cellos in 2016, and performed here by cellist Ashley Bathgate playing live over eleven backing tracks she recorded herself:
1954
Ernst Reijseger
Happy birthday!
Dutch cellist and composer
Here he performs with pianist Harmen Fraanje and vocalist Mola Sylla:
1967
Belinda Reynolds
Happy birthday!
American composer
Here are her Moments (2020) performed by cellist Natalie Raney:
Your Turn
Know of other cellists, cello makers, composers of music played by cellists, or those with a strong tie to the cello world born on this day? This is a work in progress. We’d love to hear from you if you have suggestions, additions, or corrections. Thank you!
We include those with recordings and/or images available online.