Biographical Overview & Key Facts

Subject:

Gregor Piatigorsky

Role / Field:

Ukrainian-born Russian and American master cellist, renowned for his versatility and depth.

Born:

1903-04-17

Died:

1976-08-06

Century / Era:

1903s Historical Era

Database Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

Origins & Early Life

Gregor Piatigorsky (; Russian: Григорий Павлович Пятигорский, romanized: Grigory Pavlovich Pyatigorsky; 17 April [O.S. 4 April] 1903 – August 6, 1976) was a Ukrainian-born Russian and American cellist. Gregor Piatigorsky was born in Yekaterinoslav (present-day Dnipro), Ukraine into a Jewish family. As a child, he was taught violin and piano by his father.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

But after being captivated by the cello at an orchestra concert, he was inspired to become a cellist. Piatigorsky constructed a cello made from two sticks, a long stick for the cello, and a short stick for the bow, and performed on it. Soon after, he received his first cello for his seventh birthday. Piatigorsky won a scholarship to the Moscow Conservatory, studying with Alfred von Glehn, Anatoliy Brandukov, and a certain Gubariov. At the same time, he was earning money for his family by playing in local cafés, brothels and silent movie houses.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Piatigorsky was 13 when the Russian Revolution took place. Shortly afterward, he started playing in the Lenin Quartet. At 15, he was hired as the principal cellist for the Bolshoi Theater. The Soviet authorities, specifically Anatoly Lunacharsky, would not allow...

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• 1903 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1903
• April 17 (04-17) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on April 17
• 1976 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1976
• August 6 (08-06) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on August 6

Frequently Asked Questions about Gregor Piatigorsky