Progress and Humanity

Pablo Casals (1876-1973) is a name every cellist—young or old—should know, not just for his artistry but for his unwavering belief in lifelong growth and the nobility of the human spirit. Casals revolutionized cello playing, but what truly sets him apart is his attitude toward progress. Even as a virtuoso, he continued to practice for hours each day well into his later years. When asked why, Casals replied, “I feel that I am making daily progress,” and, later, “I think I am improving.” These remarks, documented in his sixties and again around age 80, are not apocryphal but verified reflections of his humility and dedication.

Casals’ example teaches us that it’s never too early or too late to improve. He urged musicians, “Don’t be vain because you happen to have talent… What you do with your talent is what matters. You must cherish this gift. Do not demean or waste what you have been given. Work—work constantly and nourish it”. For Casals, the journey of learning was never finished; every day was a chance to discover something new.

But Casals was more than a musician—he was a humanist. He used his music as a force for peace and justice, refusing to perform in countries that supported oppression and dedicating his art to the cause of humanity. He believed, “The love of one’s country is a natural thing, but why should love stop at the border; our family is one; each of us has a duty to his brothers; we are all leaves of the same tree, and the tree is humanity”.

Casals’ life and words remind us all that progress is always possible, and music can be a powerful force for good.

Whether you are just starting or have played for decades, let his example inspire you to keep learning, keep practicing, and always strive to be a better musician—and a better human being.

Learn more about Casals:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zyk5A38XuPg

https://www.paucasals.org/en/biography/

https://interlude.hk/on-this-day-29-december-pablo-casals-was-born/

Photo of Pablo Casals, c 1910s-1920s. Bain News Service, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons