1825

Gaetano Antoniazzi

(7 August 1825 – 1 August 1897)

Italian luthier

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Cello by Gaetano Antoniazzi (1880. Currently for sale at Bishop Instruments and Bows.

Listen to an 1896 Gaetano Antoniazzi cello being played by Orlando Jopling:

1868

Sir Granville Bantock

(7 August 1868 – 16 October 1946)

British composer, conductor, and professor of music

Granville Bantock. By an unknown artist – NYPL Digital Gallery, Public Domain.

Here is his “Sapphic Poem” performed by cellist Gillian Thoday with the City of Hull Youth Orchestra conducted by Geoffrey Heald-Smith:

1921

Karel Husa

(7 August 1921 – 14 December 2016)

 Czech-born American composer and conductor, winner of the 1969 Pulitzer Prize for Music

Karel Husa. Photo from his obituary in the NY Times.

Here is his Concerto for Violoncello and Orchestra (1989), performed by cellist Paul York with the University of Louisville Symphony Orchestra conducted by Kimcherie Lloyd:

1930

Veljo Tormis

(7 August 1930 – 21 January 2017)

One of the most important Estonian composers of the 20th century

Veljo Tormis. Photo by Valju Aloel, CC BY 3.0.

Here is his Suite from the movie, Spring (Kevade), arranged for cello ensemble by Mari Järvi and performed by the Estonian Cello Ensemble:

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.