Philharmonia mourns a concertmaster
RIPThe impressive violinist Carl Pini – concertmaster of the Philharmonia in London from 1975 to 1983 and then of the Melbiurne Symphony Orchestra in Australia from 1990 to 1995 – has died at the age of 87.
Between those two jobs he was artistic director of the Australian Chamber Orchestra, a post he relinquished to Richard Tognetti.
Pini, the son of a principal cello in London orchestras, founded the London String Quartet in 1960. He made numerous recordings.
He also played with Marriner, Dart and Desmond Du’Pre in the Jacobean ensemble – some very stylish (obviously pre historical instruments) recordings of Couperin’s Les Nations!
He was also a fine teacher.
A life well lived. Thank you Carl.
Anthony Pini was the father of Carl, and he cannot be dismissed as a principal in London Orchestras. He was a principal, notably for Beecham. But his recording of the Elgar concerto with Beinum is considered a splendid one, and a particular treasure is his collaboration with Solomon and Henry Holst in the Archduke trio, sound limitations and Holst having intonation problems notwithstanding.
We were friends. I’m so sorry he is gone.
Great teacher and a beautiful man to be around. Treasured memories of our lessons and discussions.