Kolisch, Rudolf

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Kolisch, Rudolf (b Klamm am Semmering, 1896; d Watertown, Mass., 1978). Amer. violinist of Austrian birth. After childhood injury, used bow in left hand. Formed Kolisch Qt. 1922, which toured Europe, Africa, and USA where its members settled in 1935. Played standard repertory from memory and championed works by Schoenberg ( Kolisch's brother-in-law after 1924), Berg, and Webern. Gave f.ps. of Schoenberg's 3rd and 4th str. qts. (1927 and 1937), Berg's Lyric Suite (1927), Webern's str. trio (1928) and str. qt. (1938), Bartók's 5th str. qt. (1935) and 6th str. qt. (1941). Quartet disbanded 1941. Kolisch led Pro Arte Qt. from 1942 and taught at Univ. of Wisconsin 1944–67.

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