I view Rose as the most important American cellist for 2 reasons. Clearly he was the first American superstar of cello. There were other famous cellists before him, and some of them became American citizens, but Rose was the first truly American cellist. Far more important though; is the influence he has had over generations of cello players. As editor of almost every cello piece published by International, everyone has used his fingerings and bowings. As a teacher, he seems to have touched every cello player. There was a time when I had never met a cellist (over 35) that had not studied with Rose. (Okay so now it's more like 45 or 50.) Anyway, you've heard of the Kevin Bacon game? Try it with Leonard Rose. I bet that you, or one of your teachers, or one of your teacher's teachers has studied with Rose.

As a cellist, Rose was spectacular. He had a sound that has never been equaled. It was like the finest wine I have ever tasted. Deep, rich, layered, textured, intense, powerful, heady, intoxicating ------- well you get the point.

So, how do you find a CD to represent a cellist like this? Well I found a great one. It has the all time finest performance of Bloch's Schelomo, and three other works especially suited to Rose.