Joseph Szigeti, the violinist on this recording, contracted tuberculosis in 1913, which led to a distinctive playing posture due to arm muscle weakness.
Notable Performances
Joseph Szigeti championed many 20th-century composers, premiering Sir Hamilton Harty's Violin Concerto at age 17 and later presenting recitals exclusively of modern works.
Recording & Production
This album is part of the 'Archive Performances' series by Peter Biddulph Violins, dedicated to restoring and remastering historical recordings.
Performer Biography
Joseph Szigeti was an early chamber music partner of pianist Myra Hess and later recorded with cellist Pablo Casals at the Prades Festival.
Composer Biography
Béla Bartók, a composer featured on this album, considered Joseph Szigeti's performances of Bach, Brahms, and Mendelssohn among the emotionally stirring experiences of his life.
Performer Biography
Early in his career, Joseph Szigeti performed under the stage name 'Szulagi' at a circus in Frankfurt, alongside lion tamers and trapeze artists.
Cultural Impact
Joseph Szigeti was friends with jazz figures like Benny Goodman and even performed a 'travesty' duet with comedian Jack Benny in the 1944 film Hollywood Canteen.
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