Violinist Michael Rabin's book ... finally here!

[Lance]

Michael Rabin: America's Virtuoso Violinist
by Anthony Feinstein
Publisher: Amadeus Press
_______________________

It arrived today, and I waited with abated breath for this one. It is marked as "the first authorized biography." Was there an "unauthorized" biography? I would like to know the title and author if someone knows.

This is the kind of book I would read in my nice cathedral-ceilinged screened-in patio laying on a lounger, raspberry iced tea in hand, sun shining brightly.

Just glancing through the book, which has many pictures, I was completely unaware that Rabin's girlfriend was June LeBelle of WQXR radio fame. She's a person with whom I have had contact with in the past, and a lovelier person cannot be found.

There has been much conjecture over the years whether Rabin committed suicide or note. I think that is answered, once-and-for-all, in the final chapter.

Not much to say (yet) on this subject until I read the book cover-to-cover, but I wanted to let you know that the book is now available. Sometimes I find Amadeus Press release dates not on time.

[oisfetz]

Today on Ebay complete EMI 6 CD on auction ended on us 456,00

[Lance]

Today on Ebay complete EMI 6 CD on auction ended on us 456,00

I'm in shock, too. I guess if people want something bad enough they will pay whatever the price they deem necessary. With the publication of the book, there will, no doubt, be a resurgence of interest in the art of Michael Rabin. It would not surprise me that EMI will re-release this entire set and anything else they have in their vaults to coincide with the book. I guess I got a heck of a bargain on this when I got it!

[Sporkadelic]

Today on Ebay complete EMI 6 CD on auction ended on us 456,00

I'm in shock, too. I guess if people want something bad enough they will pay whatever the price they deem necessary. With the publication of the book, there will, no doubt, be a resurgence of interest in the art of Michael Rabin. It would not surprise me that EMI will re-release this entire set and anything else they have in their vaults to coincide with the book. I guess I got a heck of a bargain on this when I got it!

A forum on violinist.com has this, posted by someone who apparently got it from EMI:

EMI is issuing the product using the original production parts supplied by EMI Germany many years ago. We are able to proceed because these production parts are in good working order and the only item requiring time to produce is the slipcase. We expect product to be available AND issued by the end of August - possibly earlier.

[CharmNewton]

A forum on violinist.com has this, posted by someone who apparently got it from EMI:

EMI is issuing the product using the original production parts supplied by EMI Germany many years ago. We are able to proceed because these production parts are in good working order and the only item requiring time to produce is the slipcase. We expect product to be available AND issued by the end of August - possibly earlier.

Which means that the Paganini Caprices will once again be available in mono. Doesn't even look like we'll see any new material, but it's best to wait and see what arrives. I checked Amazon.com last night and they didn't mention any coming soons nor did the EMI web site. As most of his records were made for Capitol, they really should be taking the lead with this project. How nice it would be to see an official release of the Brahms Violin Concerto he performed with Kubelik and the Chicago Symphony. I can't imagine what it would cost to issue that recording. I'd love to hear him play the Beethoven Concerto as well.

John

John

[Lance]

In reviewing the credits in this book, written by Torontonian Anthony Feinstein, I note that CMG's Cello Specialist, Peter Schenkman is listed. Thank you, and congratulations on being a part of this book, Peter.

Another fascinating discovery in this book is that WQXR radio commentator/personality, June LaBell, was Michael Rabin's girlfriend. I have had correspondence with June and some phone conversations a few years ago. She was absolutely delightful but I never knew of her connection with Rabin.

Many of you who love biographies will be quite intrigued with the part that Rabin's mother played in his life, development, and apparent unhappiness, but I don't want to give too much away here. LaBell describes the funeral scene quite poignantly.

And did you know that Rabin didn't like Mozart - or at least his music, yet it was Mozart that was performed at his funeral. That ought to pique your interest in acquiring this book!

[oisfetz]

If EMI re-release the Rabin´s set, the guy who had just paid us 456 for it will feel a little stupid

[Peter Schenkman]

DOREMI has a disc of Michael Rabin performances (DHR 7715). Beethoven Sonata in G, Opus 30, No. 3 (Oct. 30, 1962), Faure Sonata in A Major, Opus 13 (Oct. 30, 1961) and Paganini’s 17th Caprice with orchestral accompaniment, Donald Voorhees leads the Bell Telephone Hour Symphony (Aug. 7, 1950). The disc is listed as Volume 1. Nickson Records (NPI-04/2000-2) has Rachmaninoff’s Third and Fourth Piano Concertos (Malcuzynski and Leonid Hambro) as well a Rabin performance of the Glazunov Concerto with Dimitri Mitropoulos leading the New York Philharmonic (1954).

Peter Schenkman

[violinland]

Which means that the Paganini Caprices will once again be available in mono. Doesn't even look like we'll see any new material, but it's best to wait and see what arrives. I checked Amazon.com last night and they didn't mention any coming soons nor did the EMI web site. As most of his records were made for Capitol, they really should be taking the lead with this project. How nice it would be to see an official release of the Brahms Violin Concerto he performed with Kubelik and the Chicago Symphony. I can't imagine what it would cost to issue that recording. I'd love to hear him play the Beethoven Concerto as well.

John

Follow this page link that lists all Rabin's live recordings extant.

http://www.cremona.u-net.com/rabin.htm

I still have one more to add :-

Bach Double Violin Concerto with Zino Francescatti (Very Good)
and the Feinstein book of course. and then the second book by Michael Weiblinger. Oh and there is a play being written by someone in Canada