Michael Rabin (violinist)
Michael Rabin (
May 2,
1936 -
January 19,
1972, USA) was a
violin virtuoso who studied under
Ivan Galamian, who regarded Rabin as having an extraordinary talent â€" "no weaknesses, never."
Michael Rabin's technique was nearly as flawless as
Jascha Heifetz's and his tone was equally impressive. His version of
Paganini's
24 Caprices is comparable to, and perhaps more expressive than, that of
Ruggiero Ricci's.
The violin was a way of life for Michael Rabin, so the devilishly difficult compositions that most violinists struggle with did not trouble him. But Rabin led a difficult life in the other areas of his life and on his journey from being a child
prodigy to a full-fledged, mature musician. He died prematurely at the age of 35. For decades, disputed reports have spread a rumor of drug overdose, but recent investigations by Anthony Feinstein have exposed the tragic possibility of an untreated head injury.
His recording of
Wieniawski's First Violin Concerto in f-sharp minor is well-received by critics and can be found on the
EMI label.
He also performed the music used for the film
Rhapsody, starring Elizabeth Taylor.
*Michael Rabin : America's Virtuoso Violinist, by Anthony Feinstein
