Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)This book does indeed shed light on one of the most misunderstood - and greatest - violinists of the 20th century. As a Rabin fan myself I've waited more than 25 years for this book to come along and the author does a wonderful job of filling in the gaps of misconception that surrounded this tragic artist. Of particular interest was Rabin's relationship to his parents as this is where the seeds of future misery were planted, and most notably the relationship he had with his mother, who shielded the young genius like a hot-house plant and forced him to practice very long hours with minimal contact with others. In short he was literally deprived of his childhood. The result: though he developed to the nth degree as an artist, he never fully developed as a man, which did untold harm as he grew older.
Also fascinating are the anecdotes about Rabin's encounters with other virtuosos of the day. The list in fact reads like a who's who of great violinists: Heifetz, Elman, Stern, and Francescatti just to name a few. It was Francescatti who took a particular liking to the young virtuoso and guided his career.
The book ends by clearing up the real cause behind Rabin's untimely demise, and overall I was left with a feeling of finally having all my questions answered. For Rabin fans this book should definitely be on your bookshelf.
Click Here to see more reviews about: Michael Rabin: America's Virtuoso Violinist (Amadeus)
This first, authorized biography of one of the 20th century's greatest violinists chronicles the life of Michael Rabin from his young boyhood to his premature death at the age of 35. By his teen years in the 1950s, he had already joined the ranks of violi
Click here for more information about Michael Rabin: America's Virtuoso Violinist (Amadeus)
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