Its not corny at all.
As a fellow Pianist + Painter I truely value art. I like to believe that the act of creation, is art in itself. Art is the expression of emotions & feelings regardless of shape or form. We are all artists, the medium of performing it may differ from person to person (In your case it was cello/music).
I hope whoever he is, is doing well and so are you, as well as anyone else reading this.