HE WAS *THE* GREATEST. He always said that Heifetz was his idol, but actually he went Heifetz one better.... He had a much warmer tone and touched everyone's hearts. Not that Heifetz didn't move people in his own way too, he did, but in a different way. He wasn't as consistently heartwarming like Rabin was.
Thank God, Rabin recorded a lot before he passed away. Its just a shame that there isn't more film of him like this. Many don't realize that his heyday years were in the 1950s, along with Heifetz, Milstein, Francescatti, Morini, Oistrakh, Haendel, and others who were at the height of their own respective artistic powers. He was far younger than any of them but very much their equal.
when I get tired and think I have heard it all,I listen to Rabin play and that special sound brings back the fire of enthusiasm to keep trying and keep playing..Rabin may not have had the career of many others,but He had something in his playing that inspires...That is a signature of a true artist..Thank You Michael
I was in a community orchestra in the early 1970s. Rabin played the Mendelssohn and, to me, the sound in real life was much better than captured on recordings. This performance turned out to be about 6 months before he died. My father was violinist with the NY Philharmonic, and had heard stories about Rabin's difficult life, in which he had had breakdowns, and other problems. An enormous talent lost way before his time.
Thank you so much for sharing this. I seldom listened to solo violin before I discovered Michael Rabin. His playing was a revelation to me. I've since read his biography. He was apparently a genuinely nice man brutally abused by his mother. It's heartbreaking that an artist who gave the world so much beauty and happiness through his genius had so little of either in his own life.
@@4Topwood It is, unfortunately, something which has happened to others as well. It is thought that Mozart, perhaps the greatest child prodigy there ever was, also had a difficult life due to his father who wanted complete control of his life and career.
@@nidurnevets Yes, Mozart and Heifetz both were said to have tyrannical fathers. But Rabin's mother was something else altogether. Mozart and Heifetz both married and had friends. Even into his 20's Rabin's mother kept him isolated from all but one friend. He was never allowed a normal social life so he had no self-confidence outside of his musical abilities. By the time he finally became more independent, the damage was done .
@@4Topwood I don't know Rabin's story in detail, but it is true that the others went on to have more normal lives. My own father had a difficult father, and I think it was something he never fully got over. In the recent documentary about Heifetz he comes across as almost a tragic figure.
Amazing that more of the younger generation don't know him - because he lived so few years. Thankfully, he recorded a lot. Very few films of him exist though, sadly. His end was so tragic - and until Anthony Feinstein, MD released his heavily-researched book about his life, everyone thought he OD'd on narcotics. No, it was a cerebral hemorrhage caused by an accident. Sadly though, he did use drugs for quite a long time to keep himself on an even keel. No doubt, he was one of the greatest ever to play the instrument. In the 1950s, the top violinists touring the globe and playing with the biggest orchestras were: Heifetz, Menuhin, Francescatti, Milstein, Stern, Morini, Rabin, Oistrakh (there were others on this short list but these were at the top of the list.) Morini is now all but forgotten today - and although she wasn't the only woman violinist at the time concertizing, she was one of only a few who were successful and making the big bucks. Oistrakh even admitted when he met Rabin that he was not capable of the wizard things Rabin did with his left and right hands!!
I'm glad that bio of Michael Rabin made clear what the cause of his death actually was. If you watch this video closely, you can see him looking at the floor twice in apparent distress. I think it was shortly after this performance that he started taking pills to calm his nerves with disastrous results. Not a criticism of him, by any means. So little was known in those days about how to treat the symptoms he endured. We lost him far too soon.
Miraculous playing. There are many great recordings of Caprice Viennois, but this is just the very best of the best. Never rushed, dreamy nostalgic and warm, but also brilliant, powerful and clear. His sense of timing was extraordinary.
I've heard of rabin for a long time ago, but this is the first time when I listen him and I'm so happy that there are some recordings with him on youtube. His sound is so great and personaly I like him a lot, now he's one of my favourite violin masters. Just great
I discovered him by revisiting a classic movie from my childhood Rhapsody yesterday. As of coincidence he was born the same year as my dear father and reading about his premature death in 1973 saddened me. But I am so happy that there are a few video recordings of him playing.
No. He is watching the point of contact ; of the hair to the string, which is a variable, critical component of optimum tone. Rabin was one of highest talents ever. ~jq
@Henri Roy but there are many schools of violin playing! “Correct” is subjective in many ways. One can’t argue with the sound Mr. Rabin was able to achieve! And after all, what else matters?
For all its suggestions of Vienna schmalz, "Caprice Viennois" poses serious challenges to a player's bow control: however tender it may sound, such music is not for the faint-hearted. It is Rabin's formidable technique that so perfectly brings out the tender lyricism of this gorgeous piece. Thanks for posting!!!
Wonderful to see and and hear him in this video. One of the best violinists of the century. Slight pity he's not playing some better repertoire here, but lovely to see just the same.
Sure, these pieces are what we might term "light classical" but can you imagine any prime-time television show nowadays devoting 8 minutes of its programming to classical fare, however light? I can't.
Best version of Kreisler I've heard- pinpoint intonation and just brimming with musicality. Incredible 4ths and 5ths. I really enjoyed his Tambourin Chinois- I'm preparing this piece for a concert in December and will post my own rendition, and I'll be studying this video in preparation!
People say he is the best violinist that there is recordings of. I think I agree. His Paganini no 1 concerto first movement is absolutely unbelievable. The most unexpected, intense song ever.
My goodness, what a talent. I wish he were more well-known (like Heifetz) - such a shame that he died so young. His recording of the 24 Caprices is still the best ever :). Any and every recording is jaw dropping...and watching something like this is simply unreal - he is just as good live. BRAVO!
É uma pena que tenha ficado tão pouco entre nós. Não adianta querer compará-lo com mais ninguém. Rabin foi único. Como Kreisler foi único. Como Elman foi único. Como Prihoda. Como Francescatti. Cada um dando ao violino uma alma própria, pessoal.
Michael Rabin was a very dear friend. His death was a tragedy and so stupid. He slipped and fell and hit his head on the kitchen table or maybe the counter. Yes he did have drugs in him but Michael had bigger Personal issues. Let us let that be in the past. I would like to remember my dear friend for his artistry. RIP Michael. I loved you very much! John Ed Niles
John Niles does your comments on drugs and Michael really help at this point? Why even mention it? Let him rest in peace Please! What really matters is his artristy, and how we remember him.
Jose just fuck off. I learned something from his comment. I didn't know about the drug. and he talked about his artistry too. John Niles might be dead by now (I hope not). 9 years ago he wrote this comment and now you are talking shit.
Hi John, I played first oboe in the MSM school orchestra for a fundraising concert in which Michael Rabin performed about a year before his accident. We talked at length backstage and I still remember vividly his voice, hand gestures and of course his magical playing. So unfair that he was taken away so young.
I heard Vengerov play live close up in a small informal setting and he blew me away. I was 'paralyzed' until he finished it was so powerful, so he is not all hype. Actually he reminds me of Rabin more then anyone else in his approach and skill level but Vengerov is a little hard around the edges. Rabin is on higher plane of musical genius. He is up there together with Horowitz playing duets.
the report says he DID die of a fall. HE had barbituates in his system, which made him sluggish. So he probably had the drugs IN his system, was a little off balance and hit his head when he fell. Tragic.
I absolutely love his playing. However one should listen to his studio recordings, which are even better than this video. Paganini VC nr 1 and the Tchaikowsky VC are excellent, the best ever. That my personal opinion of course, and perhaps one should not compare all the great masters......?
I heard that he was afraid of falling off the stage, at least at some point in his life. My father was a violinist in the NY Philharmonic, so he often heard the "inside" stories, as anyone hears about the field they are in. Rabin's father was a violist in the same orchestra.
I don't think that's the case here, this is a studio recording so there is no elevated stage from which to fall off, it's probably on plain ground. Usually studios put a cross where the soloist should stand so it's probably checking that he's in the right point.
HE WAS *THE* GREATEST. He always said that Heifetz was his idol, but actually he went Heifetz one better.... He had a much warmer tone and touched everyone's hearts. Not that Heifetz didn't move people in his own way too, he did, but in a different way. He wasn't as consistently heartwarming like Rabin was.
He was blazing fast with perfect articulation, but he never rushed a note, he milked every bit of romance and fire out of his violin ! My favorite .
Thank God, Rabin recorded a lot before he passed away. Its just a shame that there isn't more film of him like this. Many don't realize that his heyday years were in the 1950s, along with Heifetz, Milstein, Francescatti, Morini, Oistrakh, Haendel, and others who were at the height of their own respective artistic powers. He was far younger than any of them but very much their equal.
when I get tired and think I have heard it all,I listen to Rabin play and that special sound brings back the fire of enthusiasm to keep trying and keep playing..Rabin may not have had the career of many others,but He had something in his playing that inspires...That is a signature of a true artist..Thank You Michael
I was in a community orchestra in the early 1970s. Rabin played the Mendelssohn and, to me, the sound in real life was much better than captured on recordings. This performance turned out to be about 6 months before he died. My father was violinist with the NY Philharmonic, and had heard stories about Rabin's difficult life, in which he had had breakdowns, and other problems. An enormous talent lost way before his time.
Thank you so much for sharing this. I seldom listened to solo violin before I discovered Michael Rabin. His playing was a revelation to me. I've since read his biography. He was apparently a genuinely nice man brutally abused by his mother. It's heartbreaking that an artist who gave the world so much beauty and happiness through his genius had so little of either in his own life.
@@4Topwood It is, unfortunately, something which has happened to others as well. It is thought that Mozart, perhaps the greatest child prodigy there ever was, also had a difficult life due to his father who wanted complete control of his life and career.
@@nidurnevets Yes, Mozart and Heifetz both were said to have tyrannical fathers. But Rabin's mother was something else altogether. Mozart and Heifetz both married and had friends. Even into his 20's Rabin's mother kept him isolated from all but one friend. He was never allowed a normal social life so he had no self-confidence outside of his musical abilities. By the time he finally became more independent, the damage was done .
@@4Topwood I don't know Rabin's story in detail, but it is true that the others went on to have more normal lives. My own father had a difficult father, and I think it was something he never fully got over. In the recent documentary about Heifetz he comes across as almost a tragic figure.
I agree totally. He was a fabulous violinist.Incredible warm tone with amazing technique.
Rabin is, simply stated, the most talented violinist extraordinaire!
Perhaps the best violinist that ever lived Enjoy.
Gorgeous! What a gift this young man had. So tragic that he passed far too soon. Thank Heavens for recordings! Many thanks for posting.
I just love him playing. Pure magic
I grew up listening to Michael play. How wonderful his music making is.
Amazing that more of the younger generation don't know him - because he lived so few years. Thankfully, he recorded a lot. Very few films of him exist though, sadly. His end was so tragic - and until Anthony Feinstein, MD released his heavily-researched book about his life, everyone thought he OD'd on narcotics. No, it was a cerebral hemorrhage caused by an accident. Sadly though, he did use drugs for quite a long time to keep himself on an even keel. No doubt, he was one of the greatest ever to play the instrument. In the 1950s, the top violinists touring the globe and playing with the biggest orchestras were: Heifetz, Menuhin, Francescatti, Milstein, Stern, Morini, Rabin, Oistrakh (there were others on this short list but these were at the top of the list.) Morini is now all but forgotten today - and although she wasn't the only woman violinist at the time concertizing, she was one of only a few who were successful and making the big bucks. Oistrakh even admitted when he met Rabin that he was not capable of the wizard things Rabin did with his left and right hands!!
I'm glad that bio of Michael Rabin made clear what the cause of his death actually was. If you watch this video closely, you can see him looking at the floor twice in apparent distress. I think it was shortly after this performance that he started taking pills to calm his nerves with disastrous results. Not a criticism of him, by any means. So little was known in those days about how to treat the symptoms he endured.
We lost him far too soon.
One of the greatest ever.
Perfect. Best rendition of this beautiful gem.
Miraculous playing. There are many great recordings of Caprice Viennois, but this is just the very best of the best. Never rushed, dreamy nostalgic and warm, but also brilliant, powerful and clear. His sense of timing was extraordinary.
the best violinist i heard so far in my life
...or will ever be blessed to hear.
One of the best violinists I ever heard.
Thank you Michael.
言葉に表せない素晴らしさ。
The double stops can't be played any better !!
I've heard of rabin for a long time ago, but this is the first time when I listen him and I'm so happy that there are some recordings with him on youtube. His sound is so great and personaly I like him a lot, now he's one of my favourite violin masters. Just great
Dearest Michael... today I remember what a lovely soul and great artist you were and will always be.
The definitive bowing arm for sure. Rabin was the man that can. So cool and with absolute unfailing command.
What a beautiful sound he had. Great bow arm!!!
No one alive today is even close to Rabin, he is Galamian's best student for sure .. I really wish he had lived ..
I discovered him by revisiting a classic movie from my childhood Rhapsody yesterday. As of coincidence he was born the same year as my dear father and reading about his premature death in 1973 saddened me. But I am so happy that there are a few video recordings of him playing.
Потрясающе! Гениально!
He was one of a kind,and a very great one at that!
Yup, STILL my favorite violinist of all time!
YOU are correct sooooo correct Michael was right up there with Fritz both were gods on the fiddle....sweeeet sound Heifetz didn't play this sweet.
Best interpretation of this beautiful piece. One of the greats here, just listen to those double stops!
Simply genius.
The most perfect understanding & feel for dynamics coupled with great technique.....fabulous...
No. He is watching the point of contact ; of the hair to the string, which is a variable, critical component of optimum tone. Rabin was one of highest talents ever. ~jq
Most natural musical sense! best ever bowing arm!
ah yes.. galamian :))
carmignola's bowing smokes any of these klezmerish vibrato-crazed machinists
@Henri Roy but there are many schools of violin playing! “Correct” is subjective in many ways. One can’t argue with the sound Mr. Rabin was able to achieve! And after all, what else matters?
amazing! i love his tone/sound its so smooooth
For all its suggestions of Vienna schmalz, "Caprice Viennois" poses serious challenges to a player's bow control: however tender it may sound, such music is not for the faint-hearted. It is Rabin's formidable technique that so perfectly brings out the tender lyricism of this gorgeous piece.
Thanks for posting!!!
Wonderful to see and and hear him in this video. One of the best violinists of the century. Slight pity he's not playing some better repertoire here, but lovely to see just the same.
Sure, these pieces are what we might term "light classical" but can you imagine any prime-time television show nowadays devoting 8 minutes of its programming to classical fare, however light? I can't.
Best version of Kreisler I've heard- pinpoint intonation and just brimming with musicality. Incredible 4ths and 5ths. I really enjoyed his Tambourin Chinois- I'm preparing this piece for a concert in December and will post my own rendition, and I'll be studying this video in preparation!
People say he is the best violinist that there is recordings of. I think I agree. His Paganini no 1 concerto first movement is absolutely unbelievable. The most unexpected, intense song ever.
Awesome playing! Bravo! TY.
My goodness, what a talent. I wish he were more well-known (like Heifetz) - such a shame that he died so young. His recording of the 24 Caprices is still the best ever :). Any and every recording is jaw dropping...and watching something like this is simply unreal - he is just as good live. BRAVO!
Thank you for Uploading rare movie.
I adde this to my collection in my brog.
É uma pena que tenha ficado tão pouco entre nós. Não adianta querer compará-lo com mais ninguém. Rabin foi único. Como Kreisler foi único. Como Elman foi único. Como Prihoda. Como Francescatti. Cada um dando ao violino uma alma própria, pessoal.
Just wonderful
Michael Rabin was a very dear friend. His death was a tragedy and so stupid. He slipped and fell and hit his head on the kitchen table or maybe the counter. Yes he did have drugs in him but Michael had bigger Personal issues. Let us let that be in the past. I would like to remember my dear friend for his artistry.
RIP Michael. I loved you very much!
John Ed Niles
John Niles does your comments on drugs and Michael really help at this point?
Why even mention it? Let him rest in peace Please! What really matters is his artristy, and how we remember him.
John Niles sorry for your pain John but Rabin was a great violinist .
Love his sound .
Jose just fuck off. I learned something from his comment. I didn't know about the drug. and he talked about his artistry too. John Niles might be dead by now (I hope not). 9 years ago he wrote this comment and now you are talking shit.
Hi John, I played first oboe in the MSM school orchestra for a fundraising concert in which Michael Rabin performed about a year before his accident. We talked at length backstage and I still remember vividly his voice, hand gestures and of course his magical playing. So unfair that he was taken away so young.
man.. his trills.. so clear. love his solid singing voice. his BOW ARM.. SO SKILLED AND NATURAL. VERY EFFICIENT =0
Awesome!!! It is a great one!!!
Fantastic violinist.
more than the ability to create drama - rabin had magic, for me he was the greatest violinist ever recorded
For me, Leonid Kogan and Michael Rabin are my favourite violinists.
Those Russians, they sure did learn to play the violin.
Wow! Of course, his playing is amazing, but this is one of the best sounding Guarneri instruments I've heard.
perfect glissandos, portamentos, and staccatos....
It's amazing how he can always keep his bow so near to the bridge !
If you don't have a recording of Kriesler playing Kriesler, your only second choice is Rabin playing Kriesler.
Seems like most of Rabins studio recordings have been removed from RUclips (by the record comany?). However you can find most of them on Spotify!
La grande vieja escuela con el cuidado del sonido,no sólo mover los dedos.....hoy día eso se perdió.
anybody heard his recording of paganini's 24 caprices? hes great. i got the cd!
Come sognare ad occhi aperti......
unvergesslich! merci inf.
big hands, incredible sound.
genial ! master del violín.
foarte frumos...
Captures the Kreisler slide
I heard Vengerov play live close up in a small informal setting and he blew me away. I was 'paralyzed' until he finished it was so powerful, so he is not all hype. Actually he reminds me of Rabin more then anyone else in his approach and skill level but Vengerov is a little hard around the edges. Rabin is on higher plane of musical genius. He is up there together with Horowitz playing duets.
the report says he DID die of a fall. HE had barbituates in his system, which made him sluggish. So he probably had the drugs IN his system, was a little off balance and hit his head when he fell. Tragic.
I absolutely love his playing. However one should listen to his studio recordings, which are even better than this video. Paganini VC nr 1 and the Tchaikowsky VC are excellent, the best ever. That my personal opinion of course, and perhaps one should not compare all the great masters......?
yes ive never heard such perfetc intonation...greater than perlmans versionn in my opoinion.
OED browser, Rabins Carnegie hall debut was in 51 and he played paganini in d major
Merci,
Does it really matter? We have his music which is what we should all be concentrating on and enjoying because that is the MAIN reason Michael played.
That was fun.
Galamian/Rabin 👍
Really like his vibrato. He has large hands!
My god look at those hands... BigDaddy calls it the Bighand cause its big :D
awesome
Yah, he was smooth.
Actually, mint!
super.
@ericgable What is a "bow hold"
Unfortunately there's no Heifetz recording of Kreisler gems except very few. I wonder how Heifetz's rendition would be compared to Rabin.
so natural
👏👏👏❤️👏
Should be requisite viewing for anyone looking to figure out Kreisler's as seen through the modern violinist.
OMG that trill @ 5:30 is like so fast I almost didnt hear it!...all his trills are trill!
yes it is.
Damn he looks mad as hell
Sencillamente ,esto es excelencia en el arte de ejecutar el violin,bravo🖕
yes i have seen it, this is not true and it made me angry they said that
they were misinformed
赞
what year this video?
hahaha totally agree : )
yes this is the synthesised version ... could be true
still tragic, you are right
By the way, some of Rabin's recordings go for big money on vinyl so beware vinyl lovers.
At 1:00 it looks like he's double-checking the floor just to make sure he has somewhere to stand, because of his fear of falling off the stage.
I heard that he was afraid of falling off the stage, at least at some point in his life. My father was a violinist in the NY Philharmonic, so he often heard the "inside" stories, as anyone hears about the field they are in. Rabin's father was a violist in the same orchestra.
I don't think that's the case here, this is a studio recording so there is no elevated stage from which to fall off, it's probably on plain ground. Usually studios put a cross where the soloist should stand so it's probably checking that he's in the right point.
@triBond151 yes, I know what you're talking about. One of my teacher's teachers was a close friend of Michael Rabin. It's quite tragic.
796824 - Midori is another violinist who you have to see play live........such presence for someone so diminutive.
too bad he lived VERY short
Please, who is the conductor ?
Have you seen the film "Art of Violin" ?
There it is said that he died of an overdose...
Dio caro ma era proprio inguardabile!Ma bravo..