Tributes pour in for tragic Russian soloist

There is an outpouring of grief for the Russian cellist Alexander (Sasha) Bouzlov, who died today of a blood clot, aged 37.

Here are some first respondents.

Julian Rachlin: My dearest Sasha, one of the greatest cellists to ever live, and a most kind and loving soul to match. We had so many plans that we were looking forward to… and the realization that we will never make music together again hurts too much to face. I love you and will be forever grateful to have known you. Until we meet again.

Kian Soltani: Alexander Buzlov Nothing but respect for this brilliant musician and cellist who left us way too soon. Many condolences to his close friends and family. Let’s honor him by remembering his great artistry.

Marc Coppey: Devastating and unbelievable news. Alexander Buzlov is no longer with us. We just lost a wonderful man and a great cellist.
All my compassion and loving thoughts to his wife, dearest Alissa Margulis and to his daughter.

Denis Matsuev (on tour in Japan): It can’t get my head around it. No way. News that comes with a terrifying frequency this year. Just a nightmare. And the passing of one of the most amazing musicians in his generation Sasha Buzlov causes, I think that I’m not the only one, not the shock, not the lack of understanding, but simply rejection. I just physically can’t make myself believe it. It must be a mistake. I’ve known him from the moment they came to us in ′′ New Names ′′ as a 11 year old boy. And it was immediately clear that this was a great talent. Sasha has a three-year-old daughter who will know her dad, unfortunately, only by the memories of his family, friends and performances. Unbearable.
Our last performance of the Tchaikovsky trio at the Chelyabinsk music festival was at its very point. And will forever remain in my heart. Cello is not an easy tool. If the pianists and violinists are used to solo artists, only the only ones from cellists managed to build a successful career as a soloist. Sasha was a musician from God, his sound was absolutely unique and instantly recognizable. You could not rehearse with him, he had this feeling of elbow in the ensemble, such a sense of understanding of the partner. He was a great artist and romantic. The kindest person. With a unique smile. With a stunning sense of humor. You could talk to him on any subject, he was very erudite, read a lot of philosophy books, could support a conversation on any subject. An extraordinary personality. I write ′′ been ′′ and still don’t understand how it’s possible. Can’t say anything else. Absolute emptiness.
My most sincere and deepest condolences to family and friends. 

Sarah McElravy: Dearest Sasha… how is it possible? No words can express this loss.

Aylen Pritchin: Can’t hold back the tears. Incredibly beautiful, kind, sensitive person, friend, musician.

Benedict Klöckner: RIP Sasha Buzlov, incredible cellist, best Borat imitator ever and man with very big heart.

Jura Margulis: With the greatest sadness and in shock we say Rest In Peace to a brother in law, a husband, a father, a son, a friend, a greatest musical talent, a phenomenal virtuoso, man and cellist
our Sasha Buzlov … at a loss for words …

Daniel Müller-Schott: Impossible to believe that the fantastic cellist and dear colleague Alexander Buzlov is not with us anymore. My deepest empathy, condolences and thoughts go to Alissa Margulis, their child and families. My heart is broken. Sasha will always be remembered and his legacy lives on.

Emanuele Rigamonti: Sasha Buzlov, uno dei più grandi violoncellisti giovani del nostro tempo ci ha lasciati questa mattina. Pochi sanno, nessuno ne parla! È un grandissimo lutto nel mondo della musica.

Didier Castell-Jacomin: un hommage a Sasha Buzlov superbe violoncelliste russe, ami de beaucoup de mes amis, qui vient d’etre emporté a l’age de 37 ans par un AVC. Toutes mes pensees vont vers ses amis et son epouse Alissa Margulis. Que cette belle ame repose en paix et rejoigne l’universel. Nous avons le privilege d’etre encore la, alors, essayons de nous battre pour faire vivre ces pages geniales de nos compositeurs, qu’il savait si bien defendre.

Alessio Bax: So heartbroken to hear about the sudden passing of Alexander Buzlov. He was an extraordinary cellist and human being. I will miss his sense of humor, his vivid intellect and his sound among many other things. Rest in Peace, dear Sasha.