David Soyer was born on February 24, 1923 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. He was married to Janet Soyer. He died on February 25, 2010 in Manhattan, New York City, New York, USA.
He was a member of the Marlboro Music and a founding member of the Guarneri Quartet in Marlboro from 1964. He spent his first summer in 1961 with the Marlboro Music scene.
He began playing the cello at 11 years old.
His wife, Janet Soyer, was a former harpist.
He is survived by his sister, Dolores Soyer of New York City, and two grand-daughters.
Father of Daniel Soyer of Needham, Massachusetts and Jeffrey Soyer of Fairlee, Vermont.
On touring: I don't want to have a heart attack at a Holiday Inn after having had dinner at Howard Johnson's.
On the base and bass of a cello: In the role of base the cellist has to assure the foundation of the ensemble. There must be a sufficient sense of presence and substance of sound to provide a point of stability. In the role of bass the cellist must give life to the harmonic structure.
On teaching: My students cried a lot, but they didn't learn. They just cried. So I lightened up, and we were all happier