Birth

:

October 20, 1931 in Philadelphia, PA

Death

:

November 15, 2016 in Brookline, MA

Genre

:

Chamber

 

Jules Eskin was a renowned cellist and a prominent figure in the world of classical music. Born on November 9, 1931, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Eskin began his musical journey at a young age. His father, a violinist, and his mother, a pianist, were both musicians, and they encouraged their son to pursue music as a career. Eskin started playing the cello when he was just six years old. He studied under the tutelage of Emanuel Feuermann, a renowned cellist, and later with Leonard Rose, another prominent cellist. Eskin's talent and dedication to music were evident from an early age, and he quickly became a rising star in the classical music world. In 1954, Eskin joined the Boston Symphony Orchestra as the principal cellist, a position he held for over 50 years. During his tenure with the orchestra, Eskin became known for his exceptional musicianship and his ability to bring out the best in his fellow musicians. He was also a beloved figure among his colleagues, who admired his humility, kindness, and dedication to his craft. Eskin's career was marked by numerous highlights and achievements. He performed as a soloist with many of the world's leading orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and the London Symphony Orchestra. He also collaborated with some of the most celebrated conductors of his time, including Leonard Bernstein, Seiji Ozawa, and James Levine. One of Eskin's most memorable performances was his rendition of the Dvorak Cello Concerto with the Boston Symphony Orchestra in 1964. The performance was widely praised by critics and cemented Eskin's reputation as one of the finest cellists of his generation. Eskin was also a prolific recording artist, with over 100 recordings to his name. His recordings of the Bach Cello Suites and the Beethoven Sonatas for Cello and Piano are considered some of the finest interpretations of these works. In addition to his work as a performer, Eskin was also a dedicated teacher. He taught at the New England Conservatory of Music for over 50 years, where he mentored countless young musicians and helped to shape the next generation of classical musicians. Eskin's contributions to the world of classical music were recognized with numerous awards and honors. He was awarded the National Medal of Arts in 2002, the highest honor given to artists by the United States government. He was also a recipient of the Avery Fisher Prize, one of the most prestigious awards in classical music. Despite his many accomplishments, Eskin remained humble and dedicated to his craft throughout his career. He once said, "I'm just a cellist. I'm not a great cellist, but I try to be a good one." His commitment to excellence and his love of music inspired generations of musicians and will continue to do so for years to come. Jules Eskin passed away on November 15, 2016, at the age of 85. His legacy as one of the greatest cellists of all time lives on through his recordings, his students, and the countless musicians he inspired throughout his career.

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