Birth

:

December 16, 1922

Death

:

June 23, 2005

Genre

:

Chamber

 

Isidore Cohen was a renowned classical music artist who was born on December 16, 1922, in Brooklyn, New York. He was the son of Russian immigrants who had a passion for music. His father was a violinist, and his mother was a pianist. Isidore grew up in a musical family, and he started playing the violin at the age of six. Isidore's talent was evident from a young age, and he quickly became a prodigy. He studied with some of the best violin teachers in New York, including Ivan Galamian and Adolf Busch. He also attended the Juilliard School, where he studied with Louis Persinger. In 1945, Isidore joined the Cleveland Orchestra as a first violinist. He played with the orchestra for six years and then left to pursue a solo career. He performed with many of the world's leading orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and the London Symphony Orchestra. Isidore was known for his beautiful tone and his ability to convey emotion through his playing. He was also a skilled chamber musician and was a founding member of the Beaux Arts Trio. The trio was formed in 1955 and consisted of Isidore on violin, pianist Menahem Pressler, and cellist Bernard Greenhouse. The trio was one of the most successful chamber ensembles of the 20th century and performed together for over 50 years. Isidore was also a dedicated teacher and taught at the Peabody Institute in Baltimore and the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston. He was known for his patient and nurturing teaching style and had a profound impact on many of his students. Throughout his career, Isidore received many awards and honors. In 1964, he was awarded the Naumburg Award for Chamber Music. In 1986, he was awarded the National Medal of Arts by President Ronald Reagan. He was also a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Isidore continued to perform and teach until his death on June 23, 2005, at the age of 82. He left behind a legacy as one of the greatest violinists of the 20th century and a beloved teacher and mentor to many young musicians.

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