- Elman, Mischa
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born Jan. 20, 1891, Talnoye, Ukraine, Russian Empiredied April 5, 1967, New York, N.Y., U.S.Ukrainian-born U.S. violinist.He studied with Leopold Auer (1845–1930) in St. Petersburg from age 10 and made his professional debut in Berlin at 13. Tours of Germany and England followed, and he first played in the U.S. in 1908. With Jascha Heifetz and Efrem Zimbalist (1889–1985), he established the "Russian school" of violin playing. Admired for his full tone and passionate style, he had many pieces written for him by eminent composers.
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▪ American violinistborn Jan. 20, 1891, Talnoye, Ukraine, Russian Empire [now Tal'ne, Ukraine]died April 5, 1967, New York, N.Y., U.S.violin virtuoso in the Romantic tradition, one of the foremost violinists of the 20th century.A celebrated child prodigy, Elman studied violin from age four. In 1902 he became a tuition-free pupil of the famed violinist and teacher Leopold Auer at the St. Petersburg Conservatory. His professional debut in 1904 in Berlin quickly established him as one of the leading European violinists. From 1908 he toured the United States frequently. Subsequent tours took him throughout Europe and to East Asia. A U.S. citizen from 1923, he celebrated the 50th anniversary of his debut in the United States with a concert at Carnegie Hall in New York City. Elman's tone was considered resonant and voluptuous. His repertoire was extensive. He composed several short violin pieces and arranged works by other composers for violin and piano.* * *
Universalium. 2010.
