Violin Virtuoso Váša Příhoda was Born in 1900

A Paganini specialist, Prihoda is remembered for his dazzling technique, clear articulation, finesse and beauty of tone

Czech violin virtuoso Váša Příhoda was born on this day in 1900.

During the first 10 years of violin study, Příhoda studied with his father Alois Příhoda. Afterward, Prihoda attended the Prague Conservatory studying with Jan Mařák, a student of Otakar Ševčík. Příhoda made his concert debut at 13, performing Mozart's Violin Concerto No. 4.

At age 19, he toured Italy but was financially unsuccessful. Poverty-stricken, he joined the orchestra of the Café Grand'Italia in Milan. There, he was heard and discovered by chance by Arturo Toscanini, who arranged a benefit concert for him.

Příhoda gave concerts extensively all over the world and made a number of recordings when the industry was in its infancy. Unfortunately, some of his recordings were not well-produced resulting in poor sound quality.

As he continued to perform in Germany and German-occupied territories after the Nazi invasion of Czechoslovakia, he was briefly charged with collaboration after the war and was censured by the Czech government.

A Paganini specialist, Prihoda is remembered for his dazzling technique, clear articulation, finesse and beauty of tone.

Critics have suggested at times even Heifetz showed outward signs of envy.

He passed away from heart disease – aged 59.

VÁŠA PRÍHODA | 1936 AUSTRO-ITALIAN FILM "DIE WEISSE FRAU DES MAHARADSCHA"