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Steven Isserlis
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Key Information

Steven John Isserlis CBE (born 19 December 1958) is a British cellist. An acclaimed soloist, chamber musician, educator, writer and broadcaster, he is widely regarded as one of the leading musicians of his generation.[2][3][4][5] He is also noted for his diverse repertoire and distinctive sound which is partly from his use of gut strings.[6][7]

Isserlis has been the recipient of numerous awards including the Royal Philharmonic Society Music Award in 1993, the Robert Schumann Prize of the City of Zwickau in 2000, and both the Wigmore Hall Medal and Glashütte Original Music Festival Award in 2017.[8][9] His recordings have garnered two Gramophone Awards, a Classical BRIT Award, a BBC Music Magazine Award, and two Grammy Award nominations among others.[10][11][12] He is also one of the only two living cellists inducted into the Gramophone Hall of Fame.[13]

Isserlis currently plays on the 1726 Marquis de Corberon cello made by Antonio Stradivari on loan from the Royal Academy of Music.[14]

Early life and education

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Isserlis was born into a musical family in London. His mother was a piano teacher, and his father a keen amateur musician. His sister Annette is a viola player, and his sister Rachel is a violinist. Isserlis has described how "playing music, playing together", was an integral part of his early family life.[15] His grandfather, Julius Isserlis,[16] was one of 12 musicians allowed to leave Russia in the 1920s to promote Russian culture, but he never returned.[17]

On the Midweek programme in January 2014, Isserlis dislcosed that on arrival in Vienna in 1922, his pianist grandfather and father found a flat, but the 102-year-old landlady refused to take in a musician, because her aunt had a previous musician tenant who was noisy and would spit on the floor—this tenant was Ludwig van Beethoven.[18]

Isserlis went to the City of London School, which he left at the age of 14 to move to Scotland to study under the tutelage of Jane Cowan.[17] From 1976 to 1978 Isserlis studied at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music[19] with Richard Kapuscinski. Ever since his youth Daniil Shafran has been his cello hero, and Isserlis has described how "his vibrato, his phrasing, his rhythm all belonged to a unique whole... he was incapable of playing one note insincerely; his music spoke from the soul."[20]

The name Isserlis is one of many European variants of the Hebrew name 'Israel'.[21]

Career

[edit]

Isserlis's major career breakthrough came in 1988, when he asked John Tavener to write a work for cello and orchestra. The result of this was The Protecting Veil which Isserlis premiered at the BBC Proms with the BBC Symphony Orchestra and Oliver Knussen. The piece and also Isserlis’ subsequent recording of it were met with both critical and public acclaim.[22] The recording became a classical bestseller.[22]

Since then, Isserlis has had an active solo career and regularly appears with many of the world's leading ensembles. He has performed with the Berlin Philharmonic, Vienna Philharmonic, Gewandhausorchester Leipzig, Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich, Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin, London Symphony Orchestra, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Philharmonia Orchestra, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Cleveland Orchestra, Los Angeles Philharmonic, New York Philharmonic, Philadelphia Orchestra, and the NHK Symphony Orchestra.[23][24] He has also curated concert series for Wigmore Hall, 92nd Street Y in New York and the Salzburg Festival.[25]

Isserlis is an advocate per of historical performance practices and frequently performs with period instrument orchestras. He has performed Beethoven with fortepianist Robert Levin in Boston and London, and Dvořák’s Cello Concerto with the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment with Sir Simon Rattle. He has also published several editions and arrangements, principally for Faber Music and was an advisor on new editions of Beethoven's cello works, as well as the concertos of Dvořák and Elgar.

In contemporary music, Isserlis has premiered works by composers John Tavener, Lowell Liebermann, Carl Vine, David Matthews, John Woolrich, Wolfgang Rihm, Mikhail Pletnev and Thomas Adès. He also commissioned a new completion of Prokofiev’s Cello Concertino from the Udmurt musicologist Vladimir Blok, which was premiered in 1997 with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales conducted by Mark Wigglesworth.[26]

Isserlis has presented a number of festivals with long-term collaborators such as Joshua Bell, Stephen Hough, Mikhail Pletnev, András Schiff, Dénes Várjon, Olli Mustonen, Tabea Zimmermann, and actors Barry Humphries[27] and Simon Callow.[28] He is artistic director of the International Musicians Seminar, Prussia Cove in West Cornwall, where he both performs and teaches.

Instruments

[edit]

Isserlis currently plays on the 1726 Marquis de Corberon cello made by Antonio Stradivari on loan from the Royal Academy of Music, previously owned by Zara Nelsova and Hugo Becker.

He is also a part-owner of a Domenico Montagnana cello from 1740 and a Giovanni Battista Guadagnini cello from 1745, which he played exclusively from 1979 to 1998. He has also performed on the De Munck-Feuermann Stradivarius owned by the Nippon Music Foundation.[29]

Writings

[edit]

Isserlis is the author of two books for children on the lives of famous composers: the first is Why Beethoven Threw the Stew (Faber, 2001), and the second is Why Handel Waggled His Wig (Faber, 2006). He has also written three stories that have been set to music by Oscar-winning composer Anne Dudley. The first of the series Little Red Violin (and the Big, Bad Cello) received its first performance in New York in March 2007, followed by Goldipegs and the Three Cellos, and Cindercella.

In September 2016, Isserlis's book for young musicians, Robert Schumann's Advice to Young Musicians Revisited by Steven Isserlis, was published by Faber & Faber.[30]

In October 2021, Faber & Faber published Isserlis's book The Bach Cello Suites – A Companion,[31] a volume entirely devoted to the history and music of Bach's Suites for unaccompanied cello.

Awards

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Personal life

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Isserlis’ wife Pauline Mara, a flautist, died of cancer in June 2010.[32] They have a son, Gabriel, born in 1990.[22]

Isserlis lives in London.[33]

Discography

[edit]

Isserlis's recordings reflect the breadth and eclecticism of his repertoire. His most recent release of reVisions for BIS includes arrangements and reconstruction of works by Debussy, Ravel, Prokofiev and Bloch.[32] For Hyperion Records,[34] Isserlis has recorded Schumann's music for cello and piano (Dénes Várjon), and the complete solo cello suites by Bach, which has won many awards, including Listeners' Disc of the Year on BBC Radio 3's CD Review, Gramophone's Instrumental Disc of the Year,[35] and "Critic's Choice" at the 2008 Classical Brits. Other releases include two recordings with Stephen Hough: the Brahms sonatas, coupled with works by Dvořák and Suk; a highly acclaimed disc of children's cello music for BIS Records; and a recording with Thomas Ades of his new piece 'Lieux retrouvés'. Recent releases included a disc in 2013 of Dvořák's Cello Concerto with Daniel Harding and the Mahler Chamber Orchestra on Hyperion and Martinu's complete cello sonatas with Olli Mustonen on the BIS label in 2014 which received a Grammy nomination.

In 2017, Isserlis's recording of Haydn's Cello Concertos was nominated for a Grammy Award.[36]

Bibliography

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References

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Steven Isserlis

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Steven Isserlis (born 19 December 1958) is a British cellist acclaimed worldwide for his profound musicianship, technical mastery, and versatile career as a soloist, chamber , educator, , and broadcaster. Born in London into a musical family—his father was a violinist, his mother a pianist, and his sisters played viola and violin—Isserlis began studying cello early and attended the City of London School from 1969 to 1973 on a music scholarship, leaving at age 14 to focus on his instrument. He continued his training in Scotland with Jane Cowan before studying at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music from 1976 to 1978 under Richard Kapuscinski, later drawing influence from cellist Daniil Shafran. Isserlis plays on the 1726 "Marquis de Corberon" Stradivarius cello, on loan from the Royal Academy of Music, where he holds the position of Marquis de Corberon Professor of Cello. Isserlis's career gained prominence in 1988 with the world premiere of John Tavener's The Protecting Veil at the , followed by acclaimed recordings and performances with major orchestras such as the , London Philharmonic, and . He has premiered works by composers including , György Kurtág, and , and is known for championing lesser-known repertoire alongside Bach, Beethoven, and Schumann on both modern and period instruments. His extensive discography includes Grammy-nominated recordings of Haydn and Martinů concertos, the complete Beethoven and works, and Bach's Cello Suites, which earned him the Gramophone Instrumental Album of the Year in 2007 and induction into the Gramophone Hall of Fame. Among his honors are the Commander of the (CBE) awarded in 1998 for services to music, the 2000 Prize from , the Piatigorsky Prize, the 2017 Music Festival Award, the 2023 Musica Award, the 2025 Musical America International Cellist of the Year, and the Gold Medal. Beyond performing, Isserlis serves as of the International Musicians' Seminar since 1997, conducts masterclasses globally, and has authored children's books like Why Beethoven Threw the Stew (2001) and Why Handel Waggled His Wig (2006), as well as guides such as ’s Advice to Young Musicians. He also produces documentaries on topics ranging from to .

Early Life and Education

Family Background

Steven Isserlis was born on 19 December 1958 in , , into a family of Russian-Jewish descent. His paternal grandfather, Julius Isserlis (1888–1968), was a renowned Russian pianist and composer who had studied at the Conservatoire as a and later served as a at the College of the Imperial Philharmonic Society in , the only Jewish faculty member there at the time. Julius's musical legacy profoundly shaped the family's environment, as he emigrated from after the 1917 Revolution, eventually settling in in 1938, where his passion for music permeated subsequent generations. Isserlis's parents further immersed the household in music. His father, George Isserlis, worked as a metallurgist but was a keen violinist who practiced regularly, while his mother was a piano teacher whose daily lessons and performances filled the home with sound. This musical atmosphere was integral to family life, with evenings often devoted to collaborative playing and listening to recordings or live broadcasts. He grew up with two older sisters, Annette and , both of whom pursued professional careers in music—Annette as a violist, producer, and arranger, and as a violinist—highlighting the deep immersion in from childhood. The siblings frequently played together, fostering a shared passion. Isserlis's early exposure included attending concerts with his family and beginning studies at age five under their guidance, though he initially resisted before committing more fully at six; these experiences laid the foundation for his lifelong dedication to the instrument.

Musical Training

Steven Isserlis began his formal musical training at the age of six in , where he received initial lessons from local teachers amid a highly al family environment that encouraged daily practice and ensemble playing. He attended the from 1969 to 1973 on a music scholarship. His early exposure included a false start at ages four or five with incorrect technique, but by six, guided instruction helped establish basic proficiency on gut strings, fostering a natural approach to the instrument from the outset. At around age ten, Isserlis commenced studies with Jane Cowan, a renowned and unorthodox cello pedagogue associated with the International Cello Centre, receiving near-daily lessons that continued until he was seventeen. Cowan, who had trained with figures like Donald Tovey and Emmanuel Feuermann, emphasized foundational technique through unforced posture, expressive phrasing, and a deep understanding of composers' intentions, often incorporating harmony studies, madrigals, and discussions of master cellists to build comprehensive musicality. To pursue this intensive regimen, Isserlis left the City of London School at age fourteen and relocated to Scotland, living full-time with the Cowans in Edrom near Edinburgh from age fifteen to seventeen, an immersion that profoundly shaped his interpretive depth and technical security. During this period, Cowan introduced him to recordings of Daniil Shafran around age twelve, igniting a lasting admiration for the Russian cellist's sincere and fluid style, which influenced Isserlis's own expressive freedom. In 1976, Isserlis moved to the to attend the , studying under Kapuscinski until 1978. This period broadened his perspective through immersion in the American musical community, refining his and adaptability while collaborating with diverse ensembles and faculty. Kapuscinski's guidance focused on precision and artistic maturity, complementing Cowan's intuitive methods and preparing Isserlis for international stages. Following Oberlin, Isserlis returned to , where he sought advanced counsel from esteemed cellists including influences derived from Shafran's legacy, though his core training remained rooted in the foundational principles acquired earlier. Early public recognition came through competition participations and debut performances around 1977, such as his recital debut, signaling the culmination of his formative years.

Professional Career

Breakthrough Performances

Isserlis made his debut at the age of 18 with a recital at in 1977, marking the start of his professional career as a soloist. This performance was followed by engagements with leading orchestras across and the in the early 1980s, establishing his presence on the international stage. In the late 1980s, Isserlis expanded his profile through early recordings and tours, including collaborations with period-instrument ensembles such as the . Notable among these were his mid-1980s recording of Brahms's cello sonatas for , noted for its sensitivity and clarity, and his late-1980s rendition of Elgar's with the London Symphony Orchestra under , which highlighted his lyrical approach to British repertoire. These efforts, combined with tours featuring historical performance practices, showcased his commitment to authentic interpretations during this formative period. A pivotal breakthrough occurred in 1989 when Isserlis premiered John Tavener's The Protecting Veil for cello and strings at the in the Royal Albert Hall, conducted by with the . Commissioned specifically for him, the 50-minute work drew on Orthodox Christian themes and meditative intensity, earning widespread acclaim and becoming a cornerstone of his repertoire; the subsequent recording topped classical charts and won the Gramophone Contemporary Music Award in 1992. During this era, Isserlis also initiated advocacy for lesser-known contemporary composers, performing and promoting works by figures such as Tavener to broaden the cello's modern associations.

Solo and Orchestral Work

Steven Isserlis has maintained a prolific solo career, regularly performing with leading orchestras worldwide since the 1990s. He has collaborated extensively with the , including a notable 2009 rendition of Dvořák's in B minor under Alan Gilbert. Similarly, Isserlis has appeared frequently with the , such as in a May 2025 performance of Schumann's conducted by . With the London Symphony Orchestra, he has delivered acclaimed interpretations, including Elgar's in E minor with and Saint-Saëns's Nos. 1 and 2 under . Isserlis is renowned for his signature interpretations of core cello repertoire, particularly concertos by Dvořák, Elgar, Haydn, and Shostakovich. His reading of Dvořák's exemplifies lyrical depth, as heard in recordings with the Mahler Chamber Orchestra led by . For Elgar's , Isserlis brings emotional intensity, evident in his 1998 account with the London Symphony Orchestra. He has also championed Haydn's with the Orchestra and Shostakovich's Cello Concerto No. 1 in live performances. These works often feature collaborations with distinguished conductors such as Mariss Jansons, with whom Isserlis has performed Tchaikovsky's . In addition to mainstream staples, Isserlis demonstrates a commitment to lesser-known orchestral repertoire, performing works by composers like Berwald, Dohnányi, and Lalo on international stages. His for Dohnányi's Konzertstück in , Op. 12, highlights its flamboyant character in global concerts. Similarly, he has explored Lalo's in , bringing vitality to this undervalued piece in diverse venues. For Berwald's in A major, Isserlis's interpretations emphasize the composer's innovative style during worldwide tours. Recent solo engagements underscore Isserlis's ongoing vitality. In June 2024, he headlined the Chantilly Festival in , where a program was dedicated to him, featuring cello-centric works in the historic setting. In July 2025, Isserlis performed Schumann's Cello Concerto with the PMF Orchestra under Marek Janowski at venues including Suntory Hall in . Isserlis enhances his modern concert interpretations through the use of gut strings and historical bows, which influence his phrasing and tonal warmth. He favors gut strings for their responsiveness, employing them in performances of and Classical works to achieve authentic , even in contemporary settings. For pieces like Bach's suites, he incorporates historical bows to refine articulation and expression, blending period practices with his standard .

Chamber Music and Collaborations

Steven Isserlis is renowned for his innovative and passionate approach to , where he frequently curates programs that blend historical depth with contemporary insight, often partnering with leading instrumentalists to explore intimate ensemble textures. His collaborations emphasize expressive phrasing and historical authenticity, drawing on gut strings and period-informed techniques to illuminate works from the Classical era to the present. Isserlis has forged long-term artistic partnerships with distinguished pianists, including , with whom he has recorded recital discs and premiered Hough's Sonata for and Piano, Left Hand, while performing sonatas by Beethoven and Brahms. Similarly, his duo work with includes the US premiere of Adès's Lieux retrouvés for and , extending to chamber settings, and with Olli Mustonen, encompassing Russian sonatas such as those by Rachmaninoff, alongside the premiere of Mustonen's Frei, aber einsam and recordings of Martinů and Sibelius sonatas. These partnerships highlight Isserlis's commitment to repertoire that balances virtuosity and emotional nuance, often in recitals at venues like and . As a member of the Isserlis Piano Trio, Isserlis performs alongside violinist and pianist , presenting works such as Mendelssohn's and Fauré's chamber music, with recent recordings and tours underscoring their interpretive synergy. Frequent appearances at chamber festivals, such as —where he has performed Brahms with Bell and the Verbier Festival Chamber Orchestra—and the , featuring trio programs with Bell and pianist Dénes Várjon, further showcase his ensemble versatility. In 2025, Isserlis undertook a duo recital tour with pianist Connie Shih, focusing on Schumann's Drei Fantasiestücke, Op. 73, and Moscheles's Sonata, Op. 121, performed on a revived 1851 Érard to evoke period sonorities across North American and European venues including and the . Isserlis actively promotes contemporary chamber works, having premiered pieces by Adès and collaborated on commissions that expand the cello's role in modern ensembles.

Teaching and Directorships

Steven Isserlis has been the Artistic Director of the International Musicians Seminar (IMS) since 1997, where he annually mentors promising young musicians in and solo performance through intensive seminars and masterclasses held in , . Under his leadership, the program, founded in 1972 by Sándor Végh, continues to foster emerging talents by emphasizing collaborative skills and artistic depth in a supportive environment. As the Marquis de Corberon Professor of at the Royal Academy of Music in , Isserlis holds a prominent faculty position, regularly teaching advanced students and contributing to the institution's cello department. He also delivers masterclasses worldwide, including frequent sessions at the Kronberg Academy in , where he works with young string players on interpretive and technical aspects of repertoire. These classes highlight his pedagogical approach, which encourages students to explore the reasoning behind musical choices, such as phrasing and expression, to deepen their understanding of composers' intentions. Isserlis has developed educational initiatives that demystify for learners, including video series and workshops that explain interpretive decisions in works by composers like Dvořák, Schumann, and Franck. In a notable recent example, he led the 2024 Arts in Motion series at the Royal Academy of Music, students on bringing emotional vitality to these composers' pieces through live demonstrations and discussions. Beyond higher education, Isserlis is a vocal advocate for in , performing specially tailored concerts for children and delivering talks that emphasize music's role in emotional and . He has expressed the belief that early exposure to listening and playing fosters lifelong enrichment, often integrating interactive elements into visits to engage young audiences directly.

Instruments and Technique

Cellos and Equipment

Steven Isserlis primarily plays the 1726 "Marquis de Corberon" Stradivari cello, which he has used since 2011 on extended loan from the Royal Academy of Music in . This instrument, one of the last cellos made by in his late period, is noted for its warm tone and rich bass response, having previously been played by cellist Zara Nelsova. Prior to the Stradivari, Isserlis performed on the 1733 "De Munck" Stradivari cello, which he returned to its owner, the Nippon Music Foundation, in May 2011 after nearly two decades of use; he described it as a "dream " with exceptional versatility.) He also owns a 1740 , acquired in the late through a combination of a bank loan and shares purchased by a group of donors via a dedicated trust, with the instrument praised for its strong, full-voiced projection. Additionally, Isserlis part-owns a 1745 with fellow cellist David Waterman, which he played exclusively from 1979 to 1998 for its gentler, more intimate character. For bows, Isserlis employs modern examples alongside historical ones for period-instrument performances, aligning with his advocacy for authentic setups. He maintains his instruments in collaboration with expert luthiers, favoring gut string configurations such as Pirastro's Oliv for the C string and Eudoxa for the others to achieve a warmer, more expressive sound. The acquisition of the Montagnana involved targeted efforts in 1997, where a trust led by supporters including a banker and raised funds toward its £850,000 value to enable full ownership.

Historical Performance Practices

Steven Isserlis has long advocated for the use of gut strings on his , a preference he adopted in the to achieve a warmer, more resonant tone that he believes better suits the instrument's historical voice. This choice, which contrasts with the brighter sound of modern metal strings, has notably influenced the of his recordings and live performances, allowing for greater expressive nuance in phrasing and color, though it can sometimes limit projection in large halls. In a 1998 interview, Isserlis described gut strings as essential to his musical identity, emphasizing their ability to produce a sound as powerful as steel strings when played with appropriate technique. This practice aligns with his broader commitment to authenticity, as gut strings were standard until the mid-20th century, contributing to the intimate, quality heard in his interpretations of works from Bach to Schumann. Isserlis's advocacy extends to the use of period instruments for Baroque and Classical repertoire, where he frequently collaborates with ensembles specializing in historical performance, such as the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment. These partnerships enable him to explore original tunings, such as A=430 Hz for Haydn's concertos, which he integrates into modern performances to reveal subtleties in intonation and balance that modern setups might obscure. For instance, in his recordings and concerts of Haydn's Cello Concertos with the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, Isserlis employs gut strings and period bows to evoke the lighter, more agile articulation of the 18th century, drawing on historical research to inform dynamics and ornamentation. He has likened this approach to "acting Shakespeare with original pronunciation," underscoring how period instruments clarify the composer's intent without sacrificing emotional depth. Through publications, lectures, and masterclasses, Isserlis has shared insights into 19th-century performance techniques, emphasizing restrained and specific bow grips to recapture the era's stylistic elegance. He views not as a constant but as a selective expressive tool, applied sparingly to enhance phrasing and emotional peaks, much like an ornament in —inspired by treatises such as Leopold Mozart's discussions of resonance. In talks and articles, he advocates for bow holds that allow fluid, dancing strokes akin to those described in 19th-century methods, promoting a lighter touch to avoid the heaviness of modern styles. These ideas stem from his study of historical sources and recordings of early 20th-century masters, whom he credits with preserving 19th-century traditions. Isserlis's practice has evolved over time, incorporating experiments with and bows for Bach's Cello Suites to delve deeper into the composer's world. In preparing his 2007 Hyperion recording and its 2021 companion book, he explored five-string and underhand bowing techniques to better articulate the rhythms and polyphonic textures, reflecting ongoing historical while adapting to his modern cello's capabilities. This experimentation underscores his that authentic bridges past and present, informed by meticulous research into manuscripts and contemporary accounts.

Writings and Publications

Children's Books

Steven Isserlis has authored several books aimed at young readers to introduce through engaging, humorous narratives and practical advice, drawing from his experiences as a performer and teacher. His first children's book, Why Beethoven Threw the Stew: And Lots More Stories About the Lives of Great Composers, published in 2001 by Faber & Faber, targets children aged 8-12 with lively anecdotes about six composers—Johann Sebastian Bach, , , , , and Igor Stravinsky. Illustrated by Adam Stower, the book combines biographical facts, quirky stories, and musical insights to make the composers' lives accessible and entertaining, inspired by tales Isserlis received from his own teacher during lessons. In 2006, Isserlis released the sequel Why Handel Waggled His Wig: And Lots More Stories About the Lives of Great Composers, also published by Faber & Faber, which shifts focus to Baroque-era figures including , Antonio Vivaldi, and others, continuing the humorous style with black-and-white line illustrations by Susan Hellard. The book explores eccentric behaviors and historical contexts of these composers through short, fact-filled vignettes, aiming to spark children's interest in history. Like its predecessor, it stems from Isserlis's desire to share the joy of in a fun, non-intimidating way, informed by his interactions with young students. Isserlis's third work for young audiences, Robert Schumann's Advice to Young Musicians Revisited, published in 2016 by Faber & Faber, adapts and expands upon the 19th-century composer's original 1850 guide for aspiring instrumentalists. Isserlis retranslated Schumann's maxims into modern English, organizing them into sections on being a , playing, practicing, and composing, while interspersing his own commentary drawn from contemporary experiences, such as those during tours with youth orchestras like the Asian Youth Orchestra. This edition addresses the scarcity of straightforward, inspirational guidance for today's young players, blending historical wisdom with practical tips to encourage disciplined yet joyful music-making. These books have received positive reception for their engaging style and educational value, with Why Beethoven Threw the Stew earning a 4.1-star rating on from over 300 reviews and praise for bringing s to life in a relatable manner suitable for family reading. Both anecdote collections have been translated into multiple languages and are commonly used in music education programs to introduce children to classical figures without overwhelming detail. The Schumann adaptation has been lauded for its relevance to modern , appearing in reviews as a valuable resource for young instrumentalists seeking motivation and structure in their practice.

Scholarly Works on Music

Steven Isserlis's scholarly contributions to literature emphasize historical context, analytical depth, and guidance for adult audiences, drawing on his extensive experience as a performer. His most prominent work in this vein is The Bach Cello Suites: A Companion, published in 2021 by Faber & Faber. This 240-page volume serves as a detailed guide to Johann Sebastian Bach's six suites for unaccompanied , BWV 1007–1012, exploring their enigmatic history, structural intricacies, and interpretive challenges. Isserlis combines scholarly research with personal reflections, discussing sources, early performances, and philosophical underpinnings, while offering movement-by-movement analyses that illuminate emotional and technical nuances for listeners and musicians alike. Intended for a broad readership from casual enthusiasts to professionals, the book aims to deepen appreciation of these iconic works, which Isserlis describes as shrouded in mystery yet profoundly transformative. Isserlis has also contributed analytical essays and program notes for concerts and recordings focused on key composers in the cello repertoire. For instance, in program notes for performances of Joseph Haydn's Cello Concerto No. 2 in D major, Hob. VIIb:2, he examines the work's innovative and Haydn's pioneering in the , highlighting its blend of and within the Classical era's stylistic evolution. Similarly, his notes on various recitals delve into composers' lyrical intimacy and Romantic expressiveness, providing performers with insights into phrasing and emotional layering. These writings, often commissioned for recital societies and orchestras, prioritize historical authenticity and practical advice without oversimplifying the music's complexity. In addition to concert documentation, Isserlis has authored forewords and for recordings that offer substantive scholarly commentary. A notable example is his extensive essay in the booklet for the 2013 Hyperion recording of Antonín Dvořák's in , Op. 104, and the reconstructed in , B. 10, with the Mahler Chamber Orchestra under . There, Isserlis analyzes the concerto's emotional arc—blending epic grandeur with confessional tenderness—and its folk-inspired simplicity, attributing influences such as Dvořák's American experiences and personal losses to elements like the coda's quotation from the song "Lasst mich allein." He also discusses editorial choices, favoring a hybrid of and Wihan editions for authenticity, and praises the work's youthful melodies and rustic joy. Complementing this, Isserlis collaborated with the Henle Verlag on a 2021 Urtext edition of the concerto, incorporating newly discovered sources to refine phrasing and dynamics for modern performers. Isserlis's scholarly voice has even inspired , underscoring his cultural impact. In Amor Towles's 2024 Table for Two, the tale "The Bootlegger" features a fictionalized depiction of Isserlis performing Bach's Suite No. 1, capturing the transcendent power of live music amid audience disruption and evoking the suites' profound . Regarding future endeavors, interviews reveal Isserlis's interest in projects tracing the cello's evolution, potentially including new editions or essays on underrepresented historical works to bridge past and present performance practices.

Awards and Honors

Early Accolades

Steven Isserlis's early career was marked by several prestigious honors that recognized his exceptional contributions to cello performance and recording. In 1993, he received the Royal Philharmonic Society Instrumentalist Award for his distinguished concerto performances and the Piatigorsky Prize, both highlighting his rising prominence as a soloist with major orchestras. Isserlis was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 1998 by Queen Elizabeth II, in recognition of his services to music, reflecting his growing influence in the British classical music scene. The following year, in 2000, he was awarded the Robert Schumann Prize of the City of Zwickau for his insightful interpretations of Romantic repertoire, particularly works by Schumann, underscoring his affinity for the period's expressive depth. His recordings also garnered critical acclaim during this time. Isserlis's 1992 performance on John Tavener's The Protecting Veil with the London Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Gennadi Rozhdestvensky, won the Gramophone Award in the Contemporary category, celebrating his role in bringing innovative to a wider audience. Later, his 2007 recording of J.S. Bach's Six Suites for earned the Gramophone Instrumental Album of the Year, praised for its profound musicality and technical mastery. This recording also received the Critic's Choice Award at the 2008 Classical . Isserlis received two Grammy nominations for his interpretations of key cello works: one for Haydn's Cello Concertos with the Deutsche Kammerphilharmonie , and another for Bohuslav Martinů's Cello Sonatas Nos. 1–3 with pianist Olli Mustonen on BIS Records, affirming his excellence in both Classical and 20th-century repertoire.

Recent Recognitions

In 2013, Isserlis was inducted into the Gramophone Hall of Fame as one of only two living cellists. In 2017, Steven Isserlis received the Wigmore Hall Gold Medal in recognition of his long-standing relationship with the venue and his commitment to excellence. That same year, he was awarded the Walter Willson Cobbett Medal by The Musicians' Company for his distinguished services to . Additionally, Isserlis was honored with the Glashütte Original Music Festival Award at the Dresden Music Festival, a €25,000 prize acknowledging his lifetime contributions to music and support for young musicians through festival engagements. In 2021, Isserlis won the Premiere Award for his Hyperion recording Tavener: No longer mourn for me & other works for , featuring collaborations with Matthew Rose, , and the Boys Choir. His companion book to Bach's Cello Suites, published that year by Faber & Faber, was also recognized in the Presto Music Awards as one of the top five classical books. Isserlis continued to garner international acclaim in 2023 with the Musica Award for Performance, presented for his outstanding contributions to the interpretation of the repertoire.

Personal Life

Family and Relationships

Steven Isserlis was married to Pauline Mara, a flautist and flute teacher, with whom he shared a supportive family life centered in . The couple welcomed their son, , in 1990. Throughout Isserlis's early career, his family provided a stable home base, allowing him to balance extensive international touring with regular returns to be with Pauline and . Pauline Mara passed away from cancer in June 2010 at the age of 62, a profound loss that Isserlis has described as cathartic through his continued musical performances in the aftermath. The family maintained closeness despite Isserlis's demanding schedule, with accommodations made for Gabriel's presence during some tours to accommodate travel. No further marriages or children are documented. Isserlis has one son, Gabriel Isserlis, who was born in 1990 and is the founder and CEO of , a platform for booking creative spaces including music venues, aligning with his family's musical heritage. Since Pauline's death, Isserlis has maintained privacy regarding his personal relationships.

Interests and Advocacy

Steven Isserlis has maintained a longstanding broadcasting career, with regular appearances on platforms since the 1990s, including guest presenting roles on programs such as Saturday Classics and . He has hosted and contributed to composer-focused documentaries, notably presenting a Sunday Feature episode reappraising Robert Schumann's late-period music as innovative rather than a product of decline. Beyond performance, Isserlis nurtures deep interests in literature and history, describing himself as a prodigious reader who draws inspiration from musical narratives in fiction. He maintains a personal collection of rare books related to music, sharing selections that include historical treatises and novels about composers to highlight authentic portrayals of musical life. Isserlis is a committed for using music to support disadvantaged communities, particularly through initiatives like the Music in Prisons project run by the Irene Taylor Trust, where he has provided performances and encouragement to aid rehabilitation efforts among inmates. His humanitarian engagements extend to supporting refugee musicians; he has participated in Wigmore Hall's 2022 program combining music and art to spotlight the child , featuring his performances alongside other artists. Additionally, he has performed in benefit concerts for Ukrainian refugees amid the 2022 conflict, emphasizing music's role in crisis relief. In recent media, Isserlis featured prominently in the BBC's 2024 Arts in Motion series, leading a for young musicians on interpreting Dvořák and Schumann, in collaboration with to promote artistic excellence. He also inspired elements in Amor Towles's 2024 Table for Two, where the author included a cameo of Isserlis performing the prelude from Bach's Suite No. 1 at a pivotal scene, drawing from their personal acquaintance.

Discography

Major Recordings

Steven Isserlis's major recordings up to encompass a range of repertoire that demonstrates his commitment to historical authenticity, collaborative excellence, and emotional expressiveness, earning widespread critical acclaim and prestigious awards. His 2007 recording of J.S. Bach's Six Cello Suites for stands as a cornerstone of his discography, featuring a meticulous interpretation informed by extensive research into performance practices and the use of gut strings for tonal warmth. Released as a two-disc set, it received the Gramophone Classical Music Award for in 2007, with reviewers highlighting its intellectual rigor and profound musicality. An early highlight is the 1989 premiere of John Tavener's The Protecting Veil at the with the , a BBC-commissioned work. The subsequent recording, made in 1991 and released in 1992 with the London Symphony Orchestra under for Virgin Classics, marked a pivotal moment in Isserlis's career. This meditative piece for and strings, inspired by the Virgin Mary's protective role, blends contemporary composition with spiritual resonance and established his reputation for championing modern British music. The recording remains a defining entry in his catalog for its hypnotic intensity and technical demands. Isserlis's exploration of Romantic concertos is exemplified by his 2013 Hyperion release of Antonín Dvořák's in , Op. 104 and the earlier in A major (reconstructed), performed with the Mahler Chamber Orchestra conducted by . The album includes the original ending of the B minor concerto, incorporating Dvořák's song Lasst mich allein, and was praised for its fresh insights and vibrant . The 2017 Hyperion recording of Joseph Haydn's Cello Concertos in C major and D major alongside C.P.E. Bach's Cello Concerto in A major, with Isserlis directing the Deutsche Kammerphilharmonie Bremen, brought a scholarly yet playful approach to these Classical staples. Nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Classical Instrumental Solo at the 60th Annual Grammy Awards, it was lauded for its elegance and historical fidelity.

Recent and Upcoming Releases

In 2021, Steven Isserlis released reVisions on BIS Records, a personal project showcasing transcriptions and reconstructions of works by composers including Schubert, Debussy, Bloch, Prokofiev, and Ravel, performed with the Sinfonietta under Gábor Takács-Nagy. Isserlis's 2022 album A Golden Cello Decade 1878–1888 on explores lesser-known late-Romantic cello repertoire from the 1880s, featuring pieces by Dvořák, R. Strauss, Bruch, and Le Beau, with pianist Connie Shih and harpist Olivia Jageurs; highlights include Bruch's Kol Nidrei arranged for cello and harp and Isserlis's own transcription of Dvořák's Four Romantic Pieces. In 2024, Isserlis released Boccherini: Music of the Angels on , featuring cello concertos, sonatas, and the String Quintet in D minor with the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment and harpsichordist Maggie Cole, emphasizing historical performance on period instruments. Also in 2024, Isserlis collaborated with violinist and pianist on Mendelssohn Trios for , including Mendelssohn's Piano Trios Nos. 1 and 2. Isserlis and Shih announced the album 1851 in 2025 for release on in January 2026, centering on sonatas by Schumann (including his Violin Sonata No. 2 adapted for ) and Moscheles (Op. 121), performed on a historic Érard from to evoke the era's sonic character. As of 2024, Isserlis's complete Hyperion catalog, encompassing over two decades of recordings, became fully available for streaming on major platforms, broadening access to his interpretations of core cello literature. Among recent digital reissues, Isserlis's Grammy-nominated recording of Martinů's cello sonatas (BIS, originally 2014 with Olli Mustonen) has been made available post-2020 through streaming services, highlighting the composer's neoclassical style alongside complementary works by Sibelius and Mustonen.

References

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