Romanian violinist, composer, and conductor George Enescu was born on this day in 1881.
His famed students included Yehudi Menuhin, Christian Ferras, Ivry Gitlis, Arthur Grumiaux, and Ida Haendel.
Enescu composed three symphonies, three orchestral suites, two string quartets, three violin sonatas, two cello sonatas, two piano sonatas, and a sizable body of chamber ensemble works. He was also the dedicatee of Eugene Ysaye’s Sonata No. 3 "Ballade" for solo violin.
In addition to being a composer, his conducting engagements included leading the Philadelphia Orchestra, Orchestre Symphonique de Paris, and other prominent ensembles.
The Georges Enescu Museum in Bucharest is dedicated to his work, and the musician is featured on the Romanian five lei banknote.
French violin maker Jean-Baptiste Vuillaume was born on this day in 1798.
Widely regarded as one of the eminent stringed instrument makers of all time, Vuillaume's violins
Italian luthier Giovanni Battista Guadagnini was born on this day in 1711.
He is remembered as one of the finest stringed instrument craftsmen of all time.
Guadagnini's