The 1970 arrest of Mischa Maisky, triggered by the purchase of a tape recorder on the black market to record cello lessons, resulted in eighteen months of incarceration and labor camp duty followed by two months in a psychiatric facility. This experience preceded his emigration to Israel in 1972, shaping a career as a global musician and cellist.
Early Training and Competition
Born in 1948 in Riga, Maisky studied at the Moscow Conservatory between 1966 and 1970. His primary mentor during these formative years was Mstislav Rostropovich. Prior to his legal difficulties, he established his credentials by securing sixth prize at the 1970 International Tchaikovsky Competition held in Moscow.
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Following his move to Israel, Maisky continued his studies under Gregor Piatigorsky in Los Angeles in 1974. His American performance debut occurred at Carnegie Hall in 1973. His London debut took place in 1976, followed by a collaborative recital with pianist Radu Lupu the following year. In 1995, he returned to Russia to perform and record alongside the Russian National Orchestra and conductor Mikhail Pletnev.
Collaborations and Recordings
Maisky has maintained a prolific recording schedule, primarily with the Deutsche Grammophon label. His extensive list of performance partners includes pianists Martha Argerich, Evgeny Kissin, and Lang Lang, as well as violinists Gidon Kremer and Itzhak Perlman. His work as an orchestra soloist has featured collaborations with conductors such as Leonard Bernstein, Zubin Mehta, and Valery Gergiev. In 2021, the label released a 44-disc box set summarizing his tenure with the company.
Performance Style and Reception
Critics remain divided regarding Maisky’s technical approach. Detractors often point to his frequent reliance on extreme vibrato and high volume levels. Conversely, supporters argue these elements infuse his interpretations with a distinct romantic sensibility, even within baroque compositions. Reviews, such as those published in BBC Magazine, have praised his youthful élan and execution of works by Richard Strauss.
Fast facts
- Born: 1948, Riga
- Citizenship: Latvia, Israel, Soviet Union
- Education: Moscow Conservatory
- Major Award: Echo Klassik – Instrumentalist of the Year (2003)
- Residence: Belgium
- Children: 6
Questions readers ask
Did Mischa Maisky perform with his family?
Yes, he has performed with his three oldest children: pianists Lily and Maximilian and violinist Sascha.
What is the status of his recordings?
In 2021, Deutsche Grammophon released a 44-CD box set compiling his complete recordings for the label.
Achievements
- Instruments: cello
- Genres: classical music
