ABSTRACT
Russian violinist, born in Odessa, Ukraine. He studied in Odessa and made his debut in Kiev, playing the Glazunov Concerto under the composer’s baton. In 1928 he went to Moscow, and in 1934 was appointed to the faculty of the Moscow Conservatory. He won a major competition in Brussels in 1937, leading to appearances in European capitals (1955) and in the U.S. He died in Amsterdam. His son Igor also achieved international fame. Oistrakh’s recordings, with many great orchestras, span the concerto repertoire. Among the notable albums (reissued on CD) are those made with the Philadelphia Orchestra under Eugene Ormandy, including the Sibelius Concerto (Odyssey #30489; 1961) and the Tchaikovsky Concerto (Odyssey #30312). He also recorded a brilliant Brahms Concerto (Angel #36033; 1970) and Brahms Double Concerto with Mstislav Rostropovich (Angel #36032; 1970), both with the Cleveland Orchestra under George Szell. Igor Oistrakh recorded several works with his father, including the J.S. Bach Concerto for Two Violins.
