Yehudi Menuhin

Yehudi Menuhin , 1916-99, British violinist and conductor, b. New York City. Menuhin, an extraordinary prodigy, began playing the violin at four. He made his debut with the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra at seven, then studied in Europe with Adolf Busch and Georges Enesco . After a world tour (1934-35) of unprecedented success, he retired to study for two years. During World War II he performed hundreds of concerts for Allied troops and relief efforts. He was the founder of Switzerland's Gstaad Festival (1957). Menuhin introduced little-known works and promoted Eastern music in lectures and performances, such as his collaboration with Ravi Shankar , East Meets West. Bartók 's Sonata for Solo Violin was written for Menuhin. He became a British subject and was knighted (1985); in 1993 he was created Baron Menuhin of Stoke D'Abernon.

Bibliography: See his Theme and Variations (1972) and Unfinished Journey (1977); biographies by R. Magidoff (1955) and N. Wymer (1961).

His sister, the pianist Hepzibah Menuhin, 1920-81, b. San Francisco, also a prodigy, often appeared in recital with him. Yaltah Menuhin, 1921-2001, b. San Francisco, their sister and the youngest of the three, was also a classical pianist.

Menuhin, Yehudi ( Lord Menuhin of Stoke d'Abernon) (b NY, 1916; d Berlin, 1999). Amer.-born violinist and conductor (Brit. cit. 1985). Child prodigy. First public recital S. Francisco 1924. Début with orch. S. Francisco 1926, NY 1927. In 1929 played concs. by Bach, Beethoven, and Brahms in one programme with Berlin PO cond. Walter, in Berlin, Dresden, and Paris. London début 1929, LSO cond. F. Busch. In 1932 recorded Elgar's conc., cond. by composer, and played work under his baton in Paris 1933. First recitals with sister Hephzibah in NY, London, and Paris 1934, followed by world tour of 73 cities. His career and talent continued beyond the ‘prodigy’ years. Bartók wrote the solo vn. sonata for him (1944). Gave many concerts for troops during World War II. After war continued his career as most famous of modern vn. virtuosi, but settled in Eng. and also began to conduct in 1957 (fest. at Gstaad). Salzburg Fest. début 1946 (Bach vn. conc. No.2, Mozarteum Orch. cond. Dorati), as cond. 1986 (Chamber Orch. of Europe). Art. dir. Bath Fest. 1959–69, conducting many concerts with own chamber orch. US début as cond. 1966. Founded Menuhin Sch. of Mus., now at Stoke d'Abernon, Surrey, 1963. Did much to encourage Western interest in Indian mus. Autobiography Unfinished Journey (1977). Hon. KBE 1965. OM 1987. Life peer 1993.

Menuhin, Yehudi, Baron (1916–99) British violinist, b. USA. A child prodigy, he gave his first concert aged seven. In 1932, Menuhin recorded Elgar's violin concerto, the composer conducting. In 1942, Bela Bartók wrote his solo violin sonata for him. Menuhin was director (1959–68) of the Bath Festival, and in 1963 founded the Yehudi Menuhin School for young, gifted musicians. Menuhin was knighted in 1965. He was often accompanied on the piano by his sister Hephzibah Menuhin (1920–1981). Another sister, Yaltah (1921–2001) and Yehudi's son, Jeremy (1951– ), were also pianists.