Ukranian-Born Violinist Mischa Elman Died On This Day in 1967
Legendary Ukranian-born American violinist Mischa Elman died on this day in 1967 – aged 76.
A few years after his birth in 1891, it became discovered that Mischa had perfect pitch. His father had hesitations as to whether his son should become a musician, the career was not considered high on the social scale, despite this Mischa's father presented him with a small violin at the age of four, prompting the youngster to teach himself several melodies.
Shortly after, Elman moved to Odessa to enroll at the Imperial Academy of Music to study with Alexander Fiedemann. Here, Pablo de Sarasate provided a glowing recommendation, foreseeing Mischa as a potential great talent of Europe.
At just 11 years old, he auditioned for Leopold Auer, showcasing his skills with Wieniawski's Violin Concerto No. 2 and Paganini's Caprice No. 24. Auer was thoroughly impressed and facilitated Mischa's tuition-free acceptance into the St. Petersburg Conservatory in 1902. Auer's estimation for Elman is evident from his ultimatum to resign from the Conservatory should its administration decline Elman's admission.
Mr Elman is remembered as one of the finest violinists of the 20th century - noted for his passionate portamento and beautiful tone.
MISCHA ELMAN | WIENIAWSKI | VIOLIN CONCERTO NO. 2 | 2ND MOVEMENT: ROMANCE, ANDANTE NON TROPPO |
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