Menuhin: A Life
Since 2000, when this biography was first published, Menuhin's name has not faded from public attention, as often happens in the decades after the death of a popular performing artist. Far from it: the centenary of his birth, April 22, 1916, is being marked by celebrations around the world.

Yehudi Menuhin was born in New York of Russian Jewish immigrants. Prodigiously gifted, the 'Miracle Boy' gave his first solo recital aged eight and within five years was world-famous. Menuhin was a visionary individualist, who didn't mind shocking the establishment. His post-war support for the conductor Wilhelm Furtwängler, and his determination to build bridges with the defeated German nation, brought him into sharp conflict with the Jewish establishment and DPs in Berlin. Later he spoke out against apartheid in South Africa and denounced the Soviet Union's oppressive policy towards writers and dissidents.

Drawing on contemporary sources, unpublished family correspondence and radio interviews, Burton creates a compelling portrait of an extraordinary human being — one of the best-loved classical musicians of the twentieth century.
1006146347
Menuhin: A Life
Since 2000, when this biography was first published, Menuhin's name has not faded from public attention, as often happens in the decades after the death of a popular performing artist. Far from it: the centenary of his birth, April 22, 1916, is being marked by celebrations around the world.

Yehudi Menuhin was born in New York of Russian Jewish immigrants. Prodigiously gifted, the 'Miracle Boy' gave his first solo recital aged eight and within five years was world-famous. Menuhin was a visionary individualist, who didn't mind shocking the establishment. His post-war support for the conductor Wilhelm Furtwängler, and his determination to build bridges with the defeated German nation, brought him into sharp conflict with the Jewish establishment and DPs in Berlin. Later he spoke out against apartheid in South Africa and denounced the Soviet Union's oppressive policy towards writers and dissidents.

Drawing on contemporary sources, unpublished family correspondence and radio interviews, Burton creates a compelling portrait of an extraordinary human being — one of the best-loved classical musicians of the twentieth century.
26.95 In Stock
Menuhin: A Life

Menuhin: A Life

by Humphrey Burton
Menuhin: A Life

Menuhin: A Life

by Humphrey Burton

Paperback(Revised Edition)

$26.95 
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Overview

Since 2000, when this biography was first published, Menuhin's name has not faded from public attention, as often happens in the decades after the death of a popular performing artist. Far from it: the centenary of his birth, April 22, 1916, is being marked by celebrations around the world.

Yehudi Menuhin was born in New York of Russian Jewish immigrants. Prodigiously gifted, the 'Miracle Boy' gave his first solo recital aged eight and within five years was world-famous. Menuhin was a visionary individualist, who didn't mind shocking the establishment. His post-war support for the conductor Wilhelm Furtwängler, and his determination to build bridges with the defeated German nation, brought him into sharp conflict with the Jewish establishment and DPs in Berlin. Later he spoke out against apartheid in South Africa and denounced the Soviet Union's oppressive policy towards writers and dissidents.

Drawing on contemporary sources, unpublished family correspondence and radio interviews, Burton creates a compelling portrait of an extraordinary human being — one of the best-loved classical musicians of the twentieth century.

Product Details

ISBN-13: 9780571325320
Publisher: Faber and Faber
Publication date: 04/12/2016
Edition description: Revised Edition
Pages: 576
Product dimensions: 5.30(w) x 8.50(h) x 1.80(d)

About the Author

Humphrey Burton is best known as the original presenter of the BBC's Young Musician series. In a long career he has been involved in many other aspects of musical life, directing and hosting televised operas and concerts, running busy creative departments in ITV and BBC, working in many of the world's leading musical venues, lecturing on cruises, and broadcasting with Radio 3 and Classic FM, for whom his 20 part series chronicling Yehudi Menuhin's achievements will be repeated in 2016.

Table of Contents

Preface xi

Introduction xix

Part 1 Childhood 1916-1930

1 Origins 3

2 The Prodigy 15

3 'Keep your eyes on the stars' 50

4 Swiss Family Menuhin 94

Part 2 Youth 1931-1941

5 Jeunesse dorée 119

6 The World Tour 142

7 Escape from Paradise 172

8 Midsummer Marriages 197

Part 3 Coming of Age 1941-1956

9 Menuhin at War - 'I have come to know my American brother' 223

10 The Uneasy Peace 246

11 Life with Diana 290

12 Discovery of India 323

Part 4 The Sage of Highgate 1956-1968

13 Moving to Europe 357

14 The Impresario 371

15 Interlude: 'A Day in the Life of Yehudi Moshevitch' Diana Menuhin 397

16 The School - Utopia in Stoke d'Abernon 401

Part 5 'I was born old, and have been growing younger ever since' 1969-1999

17 Confrontations and Collaborations 421

18 Maestro Menuhin 451

19 Pinal Years 482

20 Coda 505

References 511

Bibliography 531

Chronology 533

Acknowledgements 537

Index 541

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