Mstislav Rostropovich was a renowned Russian cellist and conductor, born on March 27, 1927, in Baku, Azerbaijan. He is celebrated for his exceptional technique and emotional depth in performances, making him one of the greatest cellists of the 20th century. Rostropovich studied at the Moscow Conservatory and gained international fame through his concerts and recordings. In addition to his cello career, Rostropovich was a prominent conductor, leading major orchestras around the world. He was also an advocate for human rights, notably supporting fellow artist Alexander Solzhenitsyn. Rostropovich passed away on April 27, 2007, leaving a lasting legacy in classical music.