mstislav leopoldovich rostropovich (born baku 27 march 1927; died moscow, 27 april 2007) was a russian cellist and conductor. many musicians say that he was the greatest cellist who ever lived. he played the cello with an amazing technique and musicianship, and asked lots of composers to write cello music for him. he got into trouble with the political leaders of the soviet union because he said that people should be free to say their own ideas and opinions. in 1974 he was exiled from his country and continued his career as cellist and conductor in the west. he worked hard to support peace and justice in the world. in november 1989, when the berlin wall came down, he took his cello there and sat outside by the ruins of the wall and played. he was allowed back to his own country after the collapse of communism. he received lots of medals and honours.