Arthur Grumiaux is considered to have been one of the few truly great violin virtuosi of the twentieth century. In his relatively short life his achievements were superb. He brought to performances guaranteed technical command, faithfulness to the composer’s intent, and sensitivity toward the intricate delineations of musical structure.
His fame was built upon extraordinary violin concerto performances and chamber-music appearances with his own Grumiaux Trio.
Grumiaux was born in Villers-Perwin, Belgium, in 1921, to a working-class family, and it was his grandfather who urged him to begin music studies at the age of 4. He trained on violin and piano with the Fernand Quintet at the Charleroi Conservatory, where he took first prize at the age of 11.
Mr. Grumiaux died in 1986.
Here is Mr. Grumiaux playing the “Nigun” (Melody) by Ernst Bloch:
