Austrians mourn pedigree violinist
RIPThe eminent Austrian violinist Lukas Florian David has died in Germany, aged 87.
Son of the neo-Baroque composer Johann Nepomuk David (1895-1977), he enjoyed an international touring career and founded a festival in Peru.
From 1959 he taught at the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna.
By an odd coincidence I had mentioned the name of this fine artist just a few weeks ago in a posting relating to record covers for Raff symphonies using the art of Boeklin. I heard him play only once — the Munich Chamber Orchestra under Hans Stadlmair was on tour when I was in college and I heard both the concert (student tickets were all of $2!!) and a bit of the warm up (it helps as a performer to know “secret” ways into “your” hall). Both David and Stadlmair autographed my Bach E Major Concerto solo part after the concert. Now both are deceased.
An attractive tone and beautifully controlled bow arm, but also that thorough European musicianship that seems to us now somehow from out of the past: a true Musikant. There are some YouTube videos out there that are worth seeking out, including some Paganini that shows off his power and technique, but while well equipped he was no showboat.