Cellist-Conductor Rostropovich Dies

MOSCOW – Mstislav Rostropovich, the ebullient master cellist who fought for the rights of Soviet-era dissidents and later triumphantly played Bach suites below the crumbling Berlin Wall, has died, his spokeswoman said. He was 80.

Rostropovich, who lived in self-imposed exile in Paris, suffered from intestinal cancer. He was hospitalized in Paris in early February, and his family arranged for him to be flown back to Russia, longtime manager Ronald Wilford said.

He was treated at a Moscow hospital, and was visited on Feb. 6 by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Seven weeks later, he was well enough to attend a celebration at the Kremlin on his 80th birthday, but appeared frail. The ITAR-Tass news agency reported Friday that he had been hospitalized again several days ago.

Spokeswoman Natalia Dollezhal told The Associated Press that Rostropovich had died, but would not immediately provide details.

This is a breaking news update. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

MOSCOW (AP) – Cellist and conductor Mstislav Rostropovich has died, his spokeswoman told The Associated Press Friday.

Rostropovich had been hospitalized in February for an undisclosed illness and looked frail at his 80th birthday celebration late last month. The ITAR-Tass news agency said he was hospitalized again several days ago.

Spokeswoman Natalia Dollezhal would not immediately provide details.