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Cello Birthdays – 13 November

1903

Luigi Silva

(13 November 1903 – 29 November 1961)

Italian-American cellist and teacher

Luigi Silva

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

Joonas Kokkonen

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

Paul W. Whear

Paul W. Whear

Here is his Sonata for unaccompanied cello (1978) performed by Karen Becker:


1946

Martin Bresnick

Happy birthday!

American composer

Martin Bresnick Photo by Mark Ostow

Photo by Mark Ostow

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

Ernst Reijseger Photo by Krijn van Noordwijk

Photo by Krijn van Noordwijk

Here he performs with pianist Harmen Fraanje and vocalist Mola Sylla:


1967

Belinda Reynolds

Happy birthday!

American composer

Belinda Reynolds

Here are her Moments (2020) performed by cellist Natalie Raney:

 


1992

Marza Merophi Wilks

Happy birthday!

Peruvian-American cellist and teacher

Here she performs “At the Fountain” by Carl Davidoff with pianist Kathy Hansen:

 

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.

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