Michael Rabin - The early years - Paganini Caprices Nr.1

Michael Rabin plays,
Niccolo Paganini Caprice for solo violin in E major (Andante), Op. 1 No.1


Michael Rabin was one of the most superlative talents to emerge anywhere in the world. In 1950, at 14, he established himself as a genuine prodigy when he brilliantly recorded eleven Paganini caprices. A young man of extraordinary promise whose violinistic attributes were practically flawless, he possessed a powerful "fourth finger" that would make almost any violinist green with envy. All this was abetted by an instinctive suavity of phrasing and delivery recalling only the most supreme among his colleagues. Tenderness, charm, and a certain gentleness of character pervaded much of his playing, along with his tremendous virtuoso flair and daring. In his prime years his performance consistently exuded the aura of youth. It was the art of a phenomenal young violinist still en route to intellectual, spiritual, and cultural maturity. The premature demise of Michael Rabin was a tragic loss to the world of violin art, and we can best pay him tribute by continuing to listen to and revel in the splendor of his recorded heritage.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• paganini
• rabin
• heifetz
• menuhin
• prodigy
• genius
• oistrakh
• perlman
• mintz
• world
• music
• classical

[esk848]

Are you kidding me? Paganini's caprices have always had a little room for rhythmic interference after all these are meant as soloist pieces and even Paganini himself didn't intend to play them as if he were riding on a metronome...i think you are crazy to say this isnt a "perfect"(no such thing anyways) caprice because at this level of talent its individual characteristics that come through and the technique is all there, so you are merely stating a bias opinion

[michaelrabinthebest]

CAN YOU PLAY THAT? In my opinion this IS perfect..

[stephenjoeagi]

Absolutely perfect.



[TimeStrider]

@esk848 I couldn't agree more! These were written with a little rhythmic and interpretive leeway in mind. These are not concertos guys!!!

[TimeStrider]

@kubu79 Rabin recorded these twice, and if I remember correctly (from Anthony Feinstein's book) he was actually 12 when he recorded these. While I have no doubt he played these even better as an adult his playing here is, in a word, phenomenal! I've listened to this several times trying to see what your point was but gave up after the fourth time as I just don't hear any "lack of rhythm" or "pause shifts", etc. IMHO these were played flawlessly!!!

[sttar1982]

PERFECT®

[moonyyummy]

if only i could play like this lol

[Sylvain894]

Was it recorded before Menuhin early Paganini on EMI ? Sounds fabulous, but i think that was past the Fourties !!!

[thestringdreams]

We vote PERFECT!

[animaguslepus]

Wow...amazing. I want this recording! Thank you so much for posting this!

[Violincrazy]

hmm last Gsharp isnt sharp enough but its still a million times what i can do, sounds amazing!

[Lecrob3]

Take a shot at Quarta's and Gaccetta's interpretations... ;)