Menuhin

Yehudi Menuhin With the passing of violinist Yehudi Menuhin at the age of 82 on March 12, 1999, the world lost one of its truly gifted musicians. Primarily associated with classical music, Menuhin consistently sought diverse forums for his virtuosic playing. His collaboration with Indian sitar player Ravi Shankar resulted in two groundbreaking albums – East Meets West and In Celebration, while his pairing with French violinist Stephane Grappelli yielded four classic albums: Play Berlin, Kern, Porter & Rodgers & Hart, Play Gershwin, Play "Jalousie" and Other Great Standards, and Tea for Two. According to classical violinist Isaac Stern, Menuhin was "an extraordinary musician and a great humanitarian. His style of playing, particularly in his early years, was a stunning patrician elegance with a very natural musical line." Menuhin displayed a talent for music at a very young age. Starting to play the violin at the age of four, he made his professional debut with the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra three years later.

That a Western violinist should choose to pair with the illustrious Ravi Shankar is not in itself surprising. The violin was fully absorbed (and tuned much lower) by the Indian classical music establishment as early as the 19th century, and in contemporary times produced performers such as Dr. L. Subramaniam, Lalgudi Jayaraman, and the highly experimental L. Shankar. However, aside from being a highly accomplished recording, the original West Meets East – there would be two additional Menuhin-Shankar collaborations – elevated world music to new heights. Menuhin had championed Indian music in the West for years before learning how to play it. His sensitivity to the material is demonstrated on "Sawara Kakali," particularly during the tremendous duet that closes the track.

That a Western violinist should choose to pair with the illustrious Ravi Shankar is not in itself surprising. The violin was fully absorbed (and tuned much lower) by the Indian classical music establishment as early as the 19th century, and in contemporary times produced performers such as Dr. L. Subramaniam, Lalgudi Jayaraman, and the highly experimental L. Shankar. However, aside from being a highly accomplished recording, the original West Meets East – there would be two additional Menuhin-Shankar collaborations – elevated world music to new heights. Menuhin had championed Indian music in the West for years before learning how to play it. His sensitivity to the material is demonstrated on "Sawara Kakali," particularly during the tremendous duet that closes the track.

Yehudi Menuhin With the passing of violinist Yehudi Menuhin at the age of 82 on March 12, 1999, the world lost one of its truly gifted musicians. Primarily associated with classical music, Menuhin consistently sought diverse forums for his virtuosic playing. His collaboration with Indian sitar player Ravi Shankar resulted in two groundbreaking albums – East Meets West and In Celebration, while his pairing with French violinist Stephane Grappelli yielded four classic albums: Play Berlin, Kern, Porter & Rodgers & Hart, Play Gershwin, Play "Jalousie" and Other Great Standards, and Tea for Two. According to classical violinist Isaac Stern, Menuhin was "an extraordinary musician and a great humanitarian. His style of playing, particularly in his early years, was a stunning patrician elegance with a very natural musical line." Menuhin displayed a talent for music at a very young age. Starting to play the violin at the age of four, he made his professional debut with the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra three years later.