1847

Will Lamartine Thompson

(7 November 1847 – 20 September  1909)

American composer and founder of the W. L. Thompson Music Company

Here is his hymn #287, “Softly and Tenderly”:

1893

Ennio Bolognini

(7 November 1893—31 July 1979)

Argentine-American cellist, composer, guitarist, professional boxer, pilot, and flight instructor

Here he performs the cello movement from the Liszt Piano Concerto in A Major with Liberace:

1903

Ary Barroso

(7 November 1903 – 9 February 1964)

Brazilian composer, pianist, and soccer commentator

Here is his “Brazil” (short for “Aquarela do Brasil”) performed by members of the Boston Pops Orchestra:

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1905

William Alwyn

(7 November 1905 – 11 September 1985)

English composer, conductor, and music teacher

Fair use.

Here is the first of his Two Folk Tunes for cello (or viola) and piano, recorded by cellist Joseph Spooner and pianist Maureen Galea:

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1949

Steven Stucky

(7 November  1949 − 14 February 2016)

Pulitzer Prize-winning American composer

Here is a performance of his Voyages for solo cello and wind ensemble, by cellist Richard Narroway and the University of Michigan Symphony Band conducted by Michael Haithcock:

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1973

Dr. Robert Gross

Happy birthday!

Italian conductor and composer

Here is his Sonata for Unaccompanied Cello recorded by cellist Dr. J. W. Turner:

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.