Josef Gingold
Josef Gingold was a renowned violinist and influential teacher known for his exceptional musicianship, technical mastery, and dedication to his students.
The great violin teacher also excelled as a chamber music player.
He was among the final group of distinguished violinists who originated from the esteemed traditions of 19th-century violin playing.
However, his teaching methods integrated the essential elements of 20th-century advancements.
Early Life and Musical Journey
Gingold was born in Brest-Litovsk, part of the Russian Empire at the time (which is now in Belarus), Poland.
He was the youngest of six children of Anna (Leiserowitz) and Meyer Gingold, who were both married for the second time.
Born into a musical family, Josef started learning the violin at a young age and quickly demonstrated remarkable talent.
At the age of three, Josef received his first violin from his father.
Curiously, he broke the instrument in search of the little man inside that his father had mentioned playing the music.
By the time Josef turned five, he had become proficient at playing the violin.
At this tender age, he was set to leave home to study at a conservatory in Warsaw, Poland.
However, when the First World War began, his family became refugees, moving from place to place, caught between the Russians and the Germans.
Luckily, a German musician who lived in their town took an interest in Josef.
He taught him to play the tango, the two-step, and the waltz, all without sheet music.
This was the extent of Josef’s musical education at that time.
Education
In May 1920, when Josef Gingold was 11 years old, he and his family immigrated to New York.
Josef continued with his violin lessons at the Music School Settlement, where he was instructed by Melzar Chaffee.
Recognizing Josef’s talent and potential, Chaffee suggested that he be referred to Vladimir Graffman, who was an assistant to the renowned Leopold Auer.
There, Josef received lessons from Vladimir Graffman, who was a student from 1922 to 1927.
Gingold often mentioned that Graffman played a significant role in expanding his understanding of the violin’s potential.
Before meeting Graffman, Josef didn’t have any formal music education, yet he flawlessly played his new exercises with an instinctive left-hand position.
Eventually, Graffman introduced Josef to Heifetz, the most renowned violinist of the century, who was impressed by his natural talent.
Josef Gingold Studied with Eugene Ysaÿe
In 1927, a year after his debut at New York City’s Aeolian Center, Josef Gingold and his mother embarked on a journey to Europe.
They arrived in Brussels, the most densely populated region in Belgium, in May.
There, he began studying with the Belgian master and virtuoso Eugene Ysaÿe for two and a half years.
When Gingold was 18 years old, he went for Ysaÿe’s audition. The young Gingold was brimming with confidence, having diligently prepared the first movement of the Brahms Violin Concerto.
However, Ysaÿe didn’t share the same enthusiasm, so he calmly requested Gingold play a G major three-octave scale.
This request momentarily stunned the young man, who had been completely focused on the concerto.
Despite his surprise, Gingold complied and played the requested scale, followed by scales in various bowing styles that seemed to last forever.
Eventually, he was allowed to perform the Brahms concerto. After receiving some encouraging feedback about his talent, Gingold was accepted as a pupil by the master.
He was the first to perform Ysaÿe’s 3rd Sonata for Solo Violin.
Gingold later reflected on his return to the United States in 1929, mentioning that he came back not only as a more skilled musician but also as a better person.
He learned from Ysaÿe the importance of striving for beauty both in music and in personal relationships.
Gingold often recalled Ysaÿe’s teaching approach, where the violin was never treated harshly, emphasizing the significance of kindness and respect in all endeavors.
Career
At the age of 17, Gingold had his first solo recital at the Old Aeolian Hall in New York, where he received outstanding reviews.
Upon returning to the US from Belgium during the Depression of 1930, opportunities for concert work were scarce.
However, his luck changed when he landed a job in the orchestra pit for the successful musical “The Cat and the Fiddle,” earning $80 a week for over a year and feeling like a millionaire.
Gingold also worked for some time as a freelancer. However, in 1937, when Arturo Toscanini was organizing the National Broadcasting Symphony Orchestra, he successfully auditioned for the first violin section.
During his time at NBC, Gingold played an instrumental role in the establishment of two chamber ensembles affiliated with the NBC Symphony Orchestra.
Firstly, he was a founding member of the Primrose Quartet, alongside esteemed musicians Oscar Shumsky as the first violinist, William Primrose as the violist, and Harvey Shapiro on cello.
As a collective, they showcased their exceptional talent and artistry through their performances.
Secondly, Gingold was also part of the NBC Trio, collaborating with Shapiro on cello and the renowned pianist Earl Wild. Together, they formed a dynamic trio that delivered captivating musical interpretations.
He played with the Primrose Quartet from 1939 to 1942 and with the NBC String Quartet from 1941 to 1943.
As Gingold’s career progressed, his reputation flourished as he showcased his talent and artistry alongside esteemed colleagues in two chamber ensembles: the Primrose Quartet and the NBC String Quartet.
These chamber ensembles, formed under the auspices of NBC, allowed Gingold to contribute his musical prowess and collaborate with esteemed colleagues, leaving a lasting impression on the chamber music landscape.
Josef Gingold as a Concertmaster
In 1943, Josef Gingold was offered the leadership of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra.
He assumed the role of concertmaster for the Detroit Symphony, under the leadership of conductor Karl Krueger.
This transition marked a new chapter in Gingold’s musical journey as he embraced the responsibilities and opportunities that came with leading an acclaimed orchestra.
His role as concertmaster allowed him to further showcase his exceptional skill and leadership in the realm of orchestral music, solidifying his position as a respected and influential figure in the music world.
At the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, he served as concertmaster, and he remained for three years.
During his time in Detroit, he was a member of the Detroit Trio with pianist Mischa Kottler and cellist Georges Miquelle.
They performed together for four years, giving numerous concerts and broadcasts, covering the entire trio’s repertoire.
Working with George Szell
Impressed by his talent and potential, Josef Gingold drew the attention of renowned conductor George Szell, another prominent European conductor who had relocated to the United States in 1939.
Recognizing Gingold’s exceptional abilities, they extended an invitation in 1947 for him to assume the esteemed position of concertmaster within the Cleveland Orchestra.
This appointment marked a significant milestone in Gingold’s career. Serving as the concertmaster of the Cleveland Orchestra provided Gingold with a platform to showcase his musical prowess.
He held great admiration for Szell, considering him one of the finest musicians he had ever encountered, and he learned a great deal from him, especially in the teaching aspect of his life.
While frequently performing as a soloist, he indeed contributed to the orchestra’s exceptional performances.
Josef and Szell often played sonatas together because Szell was one of the most skilled pianists around.
Working with George Szell from 1947 to 1959, they built the Cleveland Orchestra into “one of the most polished ensembles in the country.”
The two iconic musicians also elevated Cleveland to the status of “one of the great orchestras of the world.”
Josef Gingold as a Teacher
In addition to his performing career, Gingold was highly respected as a teacher.
In 1944, his invaluable experience led to an invitation from Ivan Galamian to serve as the Professor of Chamber Music at the prestigious Meadowmount School.
This renowned institution, located in Westport, New York, nestled in the scenic Adirondack Mountains, hosts a summer program dedicated to the study and performance of chamber music.
The invitation to join the faculty at Meadowmount School solidified the individual’s reputation as a respected and accomplished musician.
It provided an opportunity to impart their knowledge and expertise to aspiring musicians in a picturesque and inspiring setting.
Josef had a deep love for teaching, which led him to also start teaching, and he held teaching positions at various institutions.
Specifically, in 1950, he continued his teaching exploration at Case Western Reserve University.
However, in 1960, he transitioned to the faculty of the Music School at Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music in Bloomington.
There, he served as the head of the violin department for many years. After five years, he was appointed “Distinguished Professor of Violin.”.
During his time at Indiana University, Josef Gingold’s exceptional teaching abilities became widely recognized, earning him renown in the field.
Gingold’s teaching style emphasized the importance of musicality, expression, and technical precision. He was indeed known for his ability to inspire and nurture his students.
Many of his students, including Jaime Laredo, Ulf Hoelscher, Joshua Bell, Joseph Silverstein,and Miriam Fried, went on to have successful careers as performers and educators themselves.
Gingold traveled worldwide to teach masterclasses at universities and conservatories.
For many years, he visited the Paris Conservatoire annually and taught as a guest at the Toho School in Japan.
Additionally, from 1980 to 1981, he held the Mischa Elman Chair at the Manhattan School of Music.
Josef Gingold as a Juror
In his role as a juror, Gingold represented the United States in numerous international competitions, including the Queen Elisabeth in Brussels and the Wieniawski in Poland.
Later on, he served as the inaugural honorary chairman and president of the Indianapolis Violin Competition from its establishment in 1982 until 1984.
At the age of nearly 85, he stepped down from the presidency, handing over his duties.
He selected Laredo as his successor, who was not only his first student to win a major competition but also went on to establish an international career.
Personal Life
Josef Gingold was widely regarded as one of the most beloved figures in the music profession.
His gentle demeanor, kindness, and radiant warmth endeared him to all who had the privilege of being in his company.
His genuine love for playing the violin and passion for teaching were evident in every aspect of his life.
Whether he was performing on stage or sharing his knowledge with aspiring musicians, Gingold’s enthusiasm and dedication were contagious.
His genuine joy for music and his innate ability to connect with others created an atmosphere of warmth and inspiration.
His legacy as both a remarkable musician and a nurturing teacher continues to resonate, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of those who had the privilege of knowing him.
In 1932, he met his wife, Gladys Anderson, who was a violinist and pianist. They got married on October 14, 1934.
She died in 1978 of cancer. After she passed away, Gingold decided to donate all the money he earned from teaching to a scholarship.
This scholarship helps talented violin students and was created in memory of his wife.
Gingold died in Bloomington, Indiana, in 1995.
Honors and Awards
Throughout his life, he received many prestigious awards, including being named the American String Teachers Association Teacher of the Year.
Additionally, he was honored with the Fredrick Bachman Lieber Award for Distinguished Teaching at Indiana University, recognizing his remarkable contributions to education.
Gingold’s outstanding recording of Fritz Kreisler’s compositions earned him a Grammy Award nomination, highlighting his exceptional skill and musical talent.
Other accolades, such as the Chamber Music America National Service Award, Baylor University’s Robert Foster Cherry Award for Great Teachers, and the American Symphony Orchestra League’s Golden Baton Award, further acknowledged his significant impact on the music community.
The book “Quintet, Five Journeys toward Musical Fulfillment” by David Blum vividly portrays Josef Gingold’s extraordinary musical journey.
This detailed literary work delves into Gingold’s life, offering insights into his artistic growth and musical accomplishments.
Originally featured as an article in The New Yorker on February 4, 1991, this book provides an in-depth exploration of Gingold’s legacy as a renowned violinist and influential figure in the world of music.
Discography
Josef Gingold’s discography consists of a carefully curated selection of recordings that highlight his extraordinary talent and artistry.
- 1941: The Primrose Quartet – Josef Fuchs (1st violin), William Primrose (viola), Harvey Shapiro (cello)
- 1975: Joseph Gingold at seventy-five
- 1976: Josef Gingold plays Fritz Kreisler,
- 1989: Schubert’s Sonatina in A minor, D385, and Liszt’s Rapsodie Espagnole, with Gyorgy Sebok (piano)
- 1989: The Art of Josef Gingold,
- 1989: Kreisler: Shorter Works and Transcriptions.
- 1990: Duos – for Violin and Cello, 1990.
More about Josef Gingold’s Discography
One notable release Josef Gingold’s recording is the reissue of the Primrose Quartet CD (Biddulph Recordings LAB052-53), featuring Gingold alongside William Primrose, Harvey Shapiro, Oscar Shumsky, and Jesus Maria Sanroma. This recording showcases their captivating performances of works by Haydn, Schumann, Brahms, Smetana, and Tchaikovsky, originally recorded on 78 rpm discs in 1940–1941.
Another significant recording is “Joseph Gingold Seventy-five,” a collection of recordings made between 1942 and 1968. It includes Gingold’s interpretation of Walton’s Sonata for Violin and Piano, initially released on a vinyl LP in 1984 (Red Bud RB-1017). Additionally, Gingold’s rendition of Fritz Kreisler’s compositions is captured in the 1976 vinyl LP record titled “Josef Gingold Plays Fritz Kreisler.”
Further recordings feature Gingold’s collaboration with cellist Janos Starker on Kodaly’s Duo, initially released in 1973 (Fidelio F-003) and later reissued on CD and SACD formats. Notable performances of Schubert’s Sonatina in A minor, D385, and Liszt’s Rapsodie Espagnole, featuring Gingold and pianist Gyorgy Sebok, are preserved on an LP (IND-722) from the Indiana University School of Music.
Several compilations have been released, such as “The Art of Josef Gingold” by Music and Arts in 1989, showcasing recordings from 1976 and 1966, and later reissued by Pristine Classical. Another compilation, “The Artistry of Josef Gingold,” is a two-CD set offering otherwise unavailable performances of a diverse range of composers, including Bloch, Arensky, Beethoven, Francaix, Mozart, Schubert, Tchaikovsky, and Ysaye. This collection was released on the Enharmonic label (ENCD03-015).
Final Note
Josef Gingold began playing the violin at a young age and quickly demonstrated remarkable talent.
His career as a performer flourished, and he became recognized as one of the leading violinists of his time.
He served as the concertmaster of several prestigious orchestras, including the Cleveland Orchestra under the baton of George Szell and the Detroit Symphony Orchestra.
Gingold was admired for his beautiful tone, expressive playing, and impeccable technique, making him a sought-after soloist and chamber musician.
Throughout his life, Josef Gingold made significant contributions to the world of music, both as a performer and as a teacher.
His legacy continues to inspire violinists and music lovers around the world, and he is remembered as one of the most influential figures in the violin community.
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