Robert Becker was a renowned classical music artist who made significant contributions to the world of music. He was born on January 15, 1932, in New York City, to a family of musicians. His father was a violinist, and his mother was a pianist. Becker grew up in a musical environment, and his parents encouraged him to pursue music from a young age. Becker started playing the cello when he was six years old. He showed exceptional talent and dedication to the instrument, and by the time he was a teenager, he was already performing in public. He studied at the Juilliard School of Music in New York City, where he received his Bachelor of Music degree in 1953. He continued his studies at the same institution and earned his Master of Music degree in 1954. After completing his studies, Becker began his professional career as a cellist. He joined the New York Philharmonic Orchestra in 1954, where he played for ten years. During his tenure with the orchestra, he performed under the baton of some of the most renowned conductors of the time, including Leonard Bernstein, Pierre Boulez, and George Szell. In 1964, Becker left the New York Philharmonic Orchestra to join the Cleveland Orchestra as its principal cellist. He held this position for 22 years, until his retirement in 1986. During his time with the Cleveland Orchestra, Becker played a crucial role in shaping the orchestra's sound and reputation. He was known for his impeccable technique, expressive playing, and deep musicality. Becker was also an active chamber musician. He was a founding member of the Cleveland Quartet, which was formed in 1969. The quartet quickly gained international recognition and became one of the most celebrated chamber ensembles of its time. Becker played with the quartet for 23 years, until its disbandment in 1992. During this time, the quartet recorded over 70 albums and won numerous awards, including six Grammy Awards. In addition to his work with the Cleveland Orchestra and the Cleveland Quartet, Becker was also a sought-after soloist and guest artist. He performed with many of the world's leading orchestras, including the Berlin Philharmonic, the London Symphony Orchestra, and the Boston Symphony Orchestra. He also collaborated with some of the most distinguished conductors of his time, such as Herbert von Karajan, Claudio Abbado, and Sir Georg Solti. Becker's playing was characterized by its warmth, sensitivity, and emotional depth. He had a unique ability to convey the essence of a piece of music, and his performances were always deeply moving. He was particularly renowned for his interpretations of the works of Bach, Beethoven, and Brahms. Throughout his career, Becker received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to the world of music. In 1978, he was awarded the Cleveland Arts Prize for Music. In 1986, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Award by the Cleveland Institute of Music. In 1992, he was awarded the Avery Fisher Prize, one of the most prestigious awards in classical music. Becker retired from performing in 1992, but he continued to be active in the music world. He taught at the Cleveland Institute of Music and the Eastman School of Music, and he served as a judge for many international music competitions. He also continued to be involved in the Cleveland Quartet's activities, serving as its artistic advisor until his death. Robert Becker passed away on May 30, 2005, at the age of 73.

More....