This book presents the story of renowned cellist Aldo Parisot, who started his career in his native Brazil and then emigrated to the U.S., establishing himself as a major soloist worldwide. His colleague and friend Janos Starker has described Mr. Parisot as "a top-notch performer" and "the best cello teacher of his time."

Parisot expanded the cello repertoire by commissioning contemporary composers, including the Brazilian Heitor Villa-Lobos, aswell as numerous American composers. He has, in addition, discovered and revived older music for the instrument. He has been responsible, as in the case of the Parisonatina by Donald Martino, so named in honor of Parisot,for shaping the music together with the composer. The book also considers his groundbreaking work with the cello ensemble at Yale and at festivals around the globe.

Parisot's life is interesting not only as the story of an extraordinary performer but also as a human story about overcoming hardship. His personality is colorful, and he is a compelling visual artist as well as an exciting musician.

SUSAN HAWKSHAW is on the faculty at Albertus Magnus College and at the University of New Haven, both in New Haven, CT.