Zino Francescatti (August 9, 1902 – September 17, 1991) was a French virtuoso violinist. He was born in Marseilles to a musical family. Both parents were violinists. His father, who also played the cello, had studied with Camillo Sivori. Zino studied violin from age three and was quickly recognized as a child prodigy. He began performing at the age of five and made his debut at age 10, playing Beethoven‘s Violin Concerto.
Recently a new recording was issued containing a collection of encores that are sure to please.
In 1927 he went to Paris to teach at the École Normale de Musique; He made his first world tour in 1931 and his American debut with Sir John Barbirolli and the New York Philharmonic in 1939, playing Paganini‘s Violin Concerto No. 1. His recording of the concerto is still regarded as one of the best. For three decades after 1945 he had an exceptionally impressive international career.
A violinist of outstanding technical ability, Francescatti played all of the great concerti. His performances of Mendelssohn‘s Violin Concerto in E minor, Saint-Saëns Violin Concerto No. 3, Bruch‘s Violin Concerto No. 1, and others, continue to be fondly remembered and highly regarded.
Here is Mr. Francescatti, performing the Beethoven Violin Concerto:
