French Violinist Zino Francescatti Died in 1991

The virtuoso is remembered for his editions of many works in the standard repertoire

French violinist virtuoso Zino Francescatti died on this day 33 years ago, aged 89.

Both Francescatti's parents were violinists. They initiated Zino's violin studies when he was three and together, they worked through a rigorous routine of Ševčík, Kreutzer, and Gaviniès. Of note is that Zino's father, Fortunato Francescatti studied with Paganini’s only known pupil, Camillo Sivori.

By age five, Zino had already amassed considerable performance experience. His concerto debut came when he was ten, performing Beethoven's Violin Concerto with orchestra. The audience reception was so enthusiastic that his father, who had previously sheltered his son from international audiences, was forced to admit that Zino was indeed ready for an international performance career.

When he was 20, Francescatti moved to Paris, where the older French violinist Jacques Thibaud saw him perform at the Conservatoire. Thibaud then promoted him and helped Zino develop his career.

An encounter with Maurice Ravel proved equally rewarding; they forged a friendship and toured Britain together in 1926, performing Ravel’s latest compositions, including the Berceuse and Tzigane.

Francescatti was dedicated to promoting contemporary music, often featuring works by modern composers such as Prokofiev, Stravinsky, Milhaud, Walton, Bernstein, and Hindemith. He gained acclaim for his interpretations of Paganini’s Violin Concerto No. 1, which audiences felt connected him directly to the composer. This performance won over a New York audience in 1939, leading Francescatti to settle in the city shortly afterward.

Throughout his career, he performed with the world's most renowned orchestras and was known for his warm, effortless playing.

For much of his life, Francescatti performed on the 1727 'Hart' Stradivarius.

ZINO FRANCESCATTI | BEETHOVEN VIOLIN CONCERTO | JEAN FOURNET & NETHERLANDS RADIO PHILHARMONIC | 1973