Who is the greatest cellist of all time?

This position names Mstislav Rostropovich the greatest cellist of all time. It argues the Russian master brought new technical expertise and musicality to the instrument, expanded its repertoire, and famously premiered Shostakovich's Cello Concerto No. 1.

This position names Yo-Yo Ma the greatest cellist of all time. A child prodigy, humanitarian, and cross-genre explorer, he is credited with elevating the craft and bringing classical music—and the cello itself—to a vast general audience worldwide.

This position names Pablo Casals the greatest cellist of all time. It argues the 'father of the modern cello' established it as a serious solo instrument, rediscovered Bach's cello suites for modern players, and was also a renowned statesman and peace advocate.

This position names Jacqueline du Pre as the greatest cellist of all time. It points to her stunning natural talent, ease and grace with the instrument, which won over audiences and fellow musicians alike — above all in her definitive interpretation of the Elgar Cello Concerto.

This position names Leonard Rose as the greatest cellist of all time. It points to his performing career — principal cellist of two of the world's great orchestras and a member of the celebrated Istomin-Stern-Rose trio — and to his teaching at Juilliard, which shaped the modern cello.

Known for his pure and intense tone, and opting for the music to excite, Starker was a distinguished professor of music at Indiana University and principal Cellist of the Chicago Symphony.

His career was interwoven with so many of the key musical figures and organizations in the 20th century, from the Philadelphia Orchestra to the Curtis Institute, to his chamber music.