Tributes to the unforgettable Ivry Gitlis, who died today
mainHe was one of the last soloists to be known to everyone by his first name, and he was everybody’s friend. A sense of bereavement stretches across the world of music – and this for a man of 98 who had not been seen outdoors all year.
He had a visit on December 5th from Martha Argerich and received many calls through the month from old friends. He asked the nurse this morning for a glass of water and was gone as it arrived.
So very, very sad to have to accept the passing of the great, the unique, the so deeply loveable, glorious, the irreplaceable (and frequently impossible!) Ivry Gitlis. There’ll never be another like him… pic.twitter.com/nj5TEk3p8J
— Steven Isserlis (@StevenIsserlis) December 24, 2020
Such sad news about Ivry Gitlis. I was lucky enough to interview and hang out with him a few times. He was charming, hilarious, wise, poetic, and often difficult and contrary – in person as in his playing. One of the few who deserves the word ‘unique’.https://t.co/aAvfoQ1HyM pic.twitter.com/KgFnevb6T0
— Ariane Todes (@ArianeTodes) December 24, 2020
Farewell dearest Ivry ♥ #RIP pic.twitter.com/feOUN6oCxL
— Janine Jansen (@janineviolinist) December 24, 2020
Ivry Gitlis has died. What an incredible and hilarious soul. The last time I saw him at a Paris dinner party he made me laugh so hard that I needed to spit out my food, gave an impromptu violin lesson, and then proceeded to hit on my wife (at 94 years old). 🤣 ☺️ RIP
— James Gaffigan (@jamesgaffigan) December 24, 2020
Bon Voyage to #ivrygitlis..The #Violin Legend, the extraordinary #artist, the unique personality loved by all his #friends and audiences all around the world..You will be missed..#violinist #music #musicislife #musicians #MarthaArgerich #argerich #theodosiantokou #ClassicalMusic pic.twitter.com/VGPuTdnA93
— Theodosia Ntokou (@TheodosiaPiano) December 24, 2020
Ivry is immortal!
It is impossible to say goodbye to such a beloved old friend as Ivry and the news of his passing breaks my heart. We last spoke just 3 weeks ago and he was happy and animated in the company of his cherished friend Martha Argerich. He was unique in every way and irreplaceable. I feel I have lost brother and will miss him always.
Although I never met Ivry Gitlis I feel a great personal loss. Gitlis was a friend of my cousin, Josef Hassid, when at ages 14-16 both studied with Carl Flesch. See the website josefhassid.com. In a biography therein {“Yosi.The Life and Times of Josef Hassid”), see Figures 24 and 25; page 27; and reference 27 in the bibliography. The last, reference 27, in fact, provides a priceless and insight into the essence of Gitlis.
In approximately 1980 in a coffee reception following a concert of the Beaux Arts Trio in Laguna Beach CA I asked you if you were familiar with the name of Josef Hassid and you enthusiastically told me that you listened to his records when you were young in Israel. And when I told you, intending a compliment, that, when the day comes that I reach the gates of heaven I expect to find the Beaux Arts trio playing, you quickly quipped “Do you know something about my health that I do not?”
Irreplaceable.
If anyone deserves a good, respectful biography it’s Gitlis. Especially while so many friends and collaborators are still with us. C’mon Norman – you have to have another book in you!
There already is a biography of Ivry, written by Philippe Clement (Grenoble).
There also were a number of other important publications
Language: : French
ISBN-10 : 2221004523
ISBN-13 : 978-2221004524
L’ame et la corde
Some may not be in print.
To my mind, the best biography ever are the recordings.
They speak far more eloquently of the musicianship of this man than any book can.
I was fortunate enough to record him for many years as his/the “semi official” recording specialist.
The things that stand out most was the simply incredible chamber music playing…particularly the Schumann piano quintet, Brahms inc a really long session recording the rehearsals which were particularly revealing…
The rehearsals of Strauss Sonata with A-M Vera, (which didn’t in fact make it into the concert), but just to poke your head round the window and watch, what a treat!
Gitlis wasn’t so well known for his chamber music playing. (sadly).
Hearing him and a group of students doing Mendelssohn octet together in public was one of the great highlights of just so many.
There was a lovely 1-hour tribute to him this afternoon on France Musique:
https://www.francemusique.fr/emissions/relax/Portrait-d-Ivry-Gitlis-90131
John: and another one on France Musique this Christmas morning at 7 AM with interviews with Renaud Capuçon, Frédéric Lodéon and David Grimal. Many funny stories and especially, much insight into the man’s personality and unique playing.
Fascinating man, but boy is that Rondo full of sloppy playing and bad ensemble…….
It’s hardly a first choice for SS.
The young violinist from North Korea , Mun Kyong Jin puts him in the shade. He was allegedly executed on returning from performances in Paris in possession of a bible.
Although I never met Ivry Gitlis I feel a great personal loss. In 1938, when Ivry and Josef Hassid (who was my cousin) were 16, and in nearby years, they studied with Carl Flesch and became close friends. See josefhassid.com: therein see Figures 24 and 25; page 27; and reference 27 in the bibliography. The last, reference 27, in fact, provides a special priceless and indelible insight into the essence of Gitlis.
Incredibly long and strong thumbs, a blessing for every violinist. Gitlis had a long and artistically fulfilled life, no reason to be sad – we have his recordings. Let’s see who is going to be next violinist playing his Strad (and how!).