Daniil Shafran

Daniil Shafran (January 13, 1923, St-Petersburg - February 7, 1997, Russia) was a one of the finest russian cellists but still rather unknown to the great public.

He began playing cello at the age of 6. Subsequently he began cello studies with professor Alexander Shtrimer (1888 - 1961) in a special music school for children at the age of 8. Won first prize at the USSR All Union Competition at the age of 14. At the time, he was below the age limit but the competition committee approved his entry. He was given the Antonio Amati cello made in 1630 as a prize. He used this instrument ever since for all his career as a concert cellist.

The second cello concerto of Kabalevsky was dedicated to him. He recorded the cello sonata of Shostakovich with the composer himself. Characteristic of his style were his unimitable rich tone, which given the fact that he played a baroque instrument was even more of a wonder, his unlimited musical freedom and his technical perfection.