Period

:

Romantic

Genre

:

Concerto

 

Milton Preves was a renowned classical music artist who made significant contributions to the world of music as a violist. He was born on December 17, 1919, in Chicago, Illinois, to a family of musicians. His father, Jacob Preves, was a violinist, and his mother, Rose Preves, was a pianist. Milton's parents recognized his musical talent at an early age and encouraged him to pursue a career in music. Milton began his musical training at the age of six, studying the violin with his father. However, he soon switched to the viola, which he found more appealing. He continued his studies at the Chicago Musical College, where he received a Bachelor of Music degree in 1941. He then went on to study at the Juilliard School in New York City, where he received a Master of Music degree in 1943. After completing his studies, Milton began his professional career as a violist. He joined the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in 1943, where he played for 23 years. During his time with the orchestra, he served as the principal violist from 1953 to 1966. He also played with the NBC Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Arturo Toscanini. Milton's talent as a violist was widely recognized, and he received numerous awards and honors throughout his career. In 1952, he won the Naumburg Award, which is given to outstanding young musicians. He was also a recipient of the John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation Fellowship in 1956. In addition to his work with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Milton was also an active chamber musician. He was a founding member of the Chicago String Quartet, which was formed in 1964. The quartet was known for its innovative programming and performances, and it quickly gained a reputation as one of the finest chamber ensembles in the country. Milton's contributions to the world of music were not limited to his performances as a violist. He was also a respected teacher and mentor to many young musicians. He taught at the Chicago Musical College, the University of Illinois, and the University of Michigan. He also served as a guest lecturer and masterclass teacher at many other institutions. Milton's career as a violist came to an end in 1970 when he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Despite his illness, he continued to be active in the music world, serving as a consultant to the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the Ravinia Festival. He also continued to teach and mentor young musicians. Milton Preves passed away on December 22, 1991, at the age of 72. His contributions to the world of music were significant, and he will always be remembered as one of the finest violists of his generation. His legacy lives on through the many musicians he taught and mentored, as well as through his recordings and performances.

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