There is a fine line between genius and insanity, and violinist Ivry Gitlis certainly walked the line! One could call him the Shafran of violinists (or maybe it should be the other way around?); regardless, Gitlis defies description.
The joy of listening to Gitlis' playing is never knowing what he will do next. Coupled with a positively electric sound (consisting of fast and wide vibrato and slides galore) and an eclectic personality, one can quickly become entranced by his interpretations. Never have I experienced as strong a musical intoxication as when injesting the recorded legacy of the maestro —— upon first listen, his sound is so wildly disgusting (especially towards the second half of his life) and provoking that one cannot but find it satisfying. The experience is, in the best way possible, like driving by a wreck on the freeway and not being able to look away.
Without further ado, let's listen to some Gitlis!
Recommended Listening:
Recommended Reading:
Ivry Gitlis - The Soul and the String (Autobiography)
ISBN-13: 979-8986301228