From 1974 to 2007 Mstislav Rostropovich (1927-2007) played "The
Duport", which was made in 1711 by Italian luthier Antonio
Stradivari (1644-1737). It is considered to be one of the finest
pieces produced by the master artisan. The instrument was later
named after the cellist Jean-Pierre Duport (1741-1818),
contemporary of Napoleon. Before the Russian, Auguste Franchomme
(1808-1884) and Adrien-François Servais owned it (1807-1866).