Role

:

Conductor Performer

Birth

:

1924 in Berlin, Germany

Period

:

Modern

Genre

:

Chamber

 

Walter Levin was a renowned classical music artist who was born on December 6, 1924, in Berlin, Germany. He was a violinist and the founder of the LaSalle Quartet, which was one of the most celebrated string quartets of the 20th century. Levin was known for his virtuosic playing, his innovative interpretations of classical music, and his dedication to teaching and mentoring young musicians. Levin's parents were both musicians, and he began playing the violin at a young age. He studied with some of the most prominent violinists of his time, including Adolf Busch and Georg Kulenkampff. In 1940, when Levin was just 16 years old, he and his family fled Germany to escape the persecution of Jews by the Nazi regime. They settled in Palestine, where Levin continued his musical studies and began performing professionally. In 1946, Levin moved to the United States to study at the Juilliard School in New York City. He quickly established himself as a talented and innovative musician, and in 1948 he founded the LaSalle Quartet with three other Juilliard students. The quartet was named after the street where they first rehearsed together. The LaSalle Quartet quickly gained a reputation for their dynamic and expressive performances, and they became one of the most sought-after string quartets in the world. They performed extensively throughout the United States and Europe, and they recorded numerous albums for major record labels such as Deutsche Grammophon and RCA. One of the highlights of Levin's career with the LaSalle Quartet was their performance of the complete string quartets of Béla Bartók. The quartet's recordings of these works are considered to be some of the definitive interpretations of Bartók's music, and they have been praised for their technical precision and emotional depth. In addition to his work with the LaSalle Quartet, Levin was also a dedicated teacher and mentor to young musicians. He taught at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music for many years, and he also gave masterclasses and workshops around the world. Many of his students went on to have successful careers as professional musicians. Levin received numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including the Grand Prix du Disque and the Edison Award for his recordings with the LaSalle Quartet. He was also awarded the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany in recognition of his contributions to music. Levin continued to perform and teach well into his 90s, and he remained an active and influential figure in the classical music world until his death on August 4, 2017, at the age of 92. He was remembered by his colleagues and students as a passionate and dedicated musician who had a profound impact on the world of classical music.

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