Death of long-serving Met concertmaster
NewsThe American-born violinist Raymond Gniewek died yesterday, a few weeks short of his 90th birthday.
The youngest concertmaster of the Metropolitan Opera orchestra when appointed in 1957, Ray retired in 2000, having served for 43 years. James Levine once said:’ The single luckiest thing that happened to me since I have been at the Met is that Ray Gniewek was the concertmaster.’
Watch to the end of this farewell clip: half of the players are in tears.
Ray is survived by his second wife, the soprano Judith Blegen, to whom we send condolences.
A truly wonderful artist! He was married to the lovely soprano Judith Blegen.
They don’t make them like him and Pav these days, and when both were together in the house like I Lombardi with Gniewek playing the 3rd act ‘concerto’ followed by Pavarotti from ‘heaven’ it was operatic heaven. Best to his lovely wife. Heard him over a hundred times
The end of Act 1 Rosenkavalier hasn’t been the same either since he left: that unequalled shimmering, poignant vibrato
Nicely played — I note he favored a solid, vibrated high note at the end rather than the traditional high harmonic. And it is moving to see the reaction of his colleagues.
To hear what Gniewek could really do as a violinist, try the prelude to act 3 of I Lombardi in the Decca recording. It’s on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hiW5gwKIx58
Pictured in the video: harpist Marie-Pierre Langlamet, now Berlin Phil principal and Laurie Hamilton, recently retired Met assoc. concertmaster.
In the summer of 1964 I sang in the chorus of the Chautauqua Opera Company. In those days no Orchestra had a 52 week season.
Therefore, the Chautauqua Opera Orchestra consisted of players from the MET Orchestra, Cleveland Orchestra and Pittsburgh Symphony, and other orchestras.
Ray Gniewek was the concertmaster of the concertmaster of the Chautauqua Opera Orchestra and he made a lasting impression on me with his total professionalism . He could play !
Great musician! I was privileged to have been able to interview him some years ago for a book I’ve written. He was so very gracious. Condolences to his wife. RIP.
Saddened by this news. We have fond memories of when Raymond and Judith had dinners at each other’s homes when they live near us on Cape Cod. My heart and love go to Judith.
As a member of the Met Orchestra 1st violin section for many years, Ray was a hugely important presence in my life, both musically and personally. He was a mentor and friend whose loss is incalculable to all of us. A great leader, a phenomenal solo player in Strauss and so much more. The music world will not be the same without out him. He will forever be missed.
I am sending my most heartfelt condolences. During my 25 years partnership with Bob Herman, Ray Gniewek became a dear friend to both of us. Judith Blegen was equally adored by us, and we shall always remember those moments of joy and music we were able to share together. With loving wishes, Walter (Waldy) Nauyoks
What an Orchestra, what a Conductor and what a Concertmaster!!!
And all is gone!!
Orchestra is still there.
The Met has two wonderful CMs.
And enough said about JL.