ON THIS DAY | Violin Virtuoso Zino Francescatti Was Born in 1902

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

French violin virtuoso René-Charles “Zino” Francescatti was born on this day in 1902.

Remembered as one of the finest violin virtuosi of the 20th century, Francescatti was born into a family of musicians and known to be a child prodigy — he had his solo debut at age 10 of the Beethoven violin concerto. 

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.

Dying in 1991, Maestro Francescatti is remembered as one of the pre-eminent violinists of all time.

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

Mendelssohn & Tchaikovsky Violin Concertos

Zino Francescatti

Dimitri Mitropoulos

Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra of New York

Release Date: July 4, 2010

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