Sales of Mischa Elman’s recordings surpassed two million units, establishing his reach as a prolific violinist during the twentieth century. Born in Talne in 1891, he transitioned from a precocious child performer in the Russian Empire to a staple of the American classical music scene, sustaining a concert career that spanned over six decades before his death in 1967.
Early Development and Training
Born into a Jewish family, Elman displayed perfect pitch at an early age. Despite his father's initial resistance to a musical career, he eventually studied at the Imperial Academy of Music in Odessa. His aptitude earned him admission to the Saint Petersburg Conservatory after an audition for Leopold Auer, where he played works by Wieniawski and Paganini.
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Elman’s rise was marked by a notable incident with conductor Édouard Colonne, who initially refused to perform with the young violinist. Following an impromptu piano-accompanied performance, Colonne invited him to play with the Orchestre Colonne in Paris. By 1904, he achieved a sensation during his Berlin debut and subsequently performed in London and at Carnegie Hall in 1908.
Career in the United States
After touring Australia in 1914, Elman relocated to the United States following the start of World War I. He became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 1923. His workload was substantial, sometimes performing 107 concerts in a single 29-week season. In 1943, he premiered Bohuslav Martinů's second violin concerto, a piece composed specifically for him.
Recorded Legacy
Elman’s recording career began in 1906 with 78 rpm discs for Pathé and concluded with sessions for Vanguard in 1967. While he maintained an exclusive relationship with the Victor Talking Machine Company and RCA Victor through 1950, his discography also includes works released under the Decca and London labels. He regularly collaborated with accompanists including Emmanuel Bay, Joseph Seiger, and others.
Fast facts
- Born: January 20, 1891, Talne
- Died: April 5, 1967, New York City
- Primary Instrument: Violin
- Education: Saint Petersburg Conservatory
- Citizenship: United States
- Burial Site: Westchester Hills Cemetery
- Awards: Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame
Questions readers ask
Where is Mischa Elman buried?
He is buried at the Westchester Hills Cemetery in Hastings-on-Hudson, New York.
Did Elman perform with specific chamber ensembles?
Yes, he performed and recorded with the Mischa Elman String Quartet.
