Michael Rabin plays Zigeunerweisen op. 20

Michael Rabin in one of the most splendid performances of Pablo de Sarasate's well known showpiece. A jewel compared by many with Heifetz's one and by others considered as the best.
Hollywood Bowl Orchestra /1959
Conductor Felix Slatkin

[@lakatos1683]

It's unreal how Rabin played. I'm so grateful we have these recordings!

[@duggiefresh8170]

The best trills and staccato you will ever find belong to Rabin.

[@JAGallery]

The ballance of feeling (sound) and technical perfomance makes him the most outstanding player ever!

[@cattleman6420012000]

This is incredible playing. He was the best ever. Terribly tragic life.

[@ictus60]

Rabin plays with such color and expression combined with ridiculous virtuosity and an undeniable sense of conviction, he is basically the definition of a true prodigy and is the violinist I have been comparing all others to for over 45 years. Without a doubt he was one of the greatest soloists the world has ever known. Rabin had astounding skill on controlling violin, equal or superior to all other violinists of the recorded era. Although Heifetz is generally regarded as the greatest violinist of the 20th century, Rabin was fully equal to him in technical prowess and surpassed him in artistry. Rabin was genius possessing the dramatic flair of Heifetz, the care and articulation of Kreisler, and the soulfulness of David Oistrakh. He treats every piece of music --from the encore warhorses to relatively minor pieces like the Bruch Scottish Fantasy to the great concerti as if each were the most important composition for his instrument ever written, and as if he had only one chance to play it. He managed to combine all the technique possible along with the most sensuous tone and romantic style. He is the violinist everyone dreams about, whether they know him or not. Whenever I hear a violinist today who is reputed to be a top player, it amazes me how far the fall short of Rabin. His level of interpretative excellence, dictated insurmountable standards well as basically all he played conferred him of a sort of magic effluvium. That flaming passion that joined the level of mercurial technique, astonishing tune and first rate temperament, simply left a world seriously wounded, because a soloist of his stature has been irreplaceable until these days, and the career of so many famous soloists surely would not have been overshadowed . His rendition of Zigeunerwiesen has no equal for this piece - not even close. His interpretations and the gusto of his playing take your breath away. No one has come close to his level. It is technically perfect, and has just the right amount of gypsy flavor to make it work properly. Rabin guaranteed to drop your jaw. Ivan Galamian, one of the greatest violin teachers, said, "almost extraordinary talent - no weaknesses, never!", when he referred to Michael Rabin.

[@treatb09]

there are a few things he played that i don't enjoy his style for. but that is how it is with any violinist and their violin. i have favorite players for different pieces and even specific violins i prefer for different pieces. i don't enjoy his recording of the vitali chaconne, love heifetz's vitali, but i don't like heifetz's mendelsohn, but have listened to julia fischer's over 100 times.

[@jonathankamkhaji4814]

I also regard Rabin as unsurpssed among the violinists I've listened to but it's also true that some other great violinists, who are not as good as Rabin, can give perfect renditions. Two examples among many: Gitlis' Campanella and Ferras' Mendelssohn Concerto.

[@maxzak5169]

Pompous pr1ck xD

[@user-ec6gh1yc7k]

Когда человек, одорен вниманием бога, здесь, тут, сейчас. Это на века. Спасибо. Ещё очередной раз .

[@user-ec6gh1yc7k]

Человек, лишь, создание, а гениев , раз два, и обчелся. Я, впервые. Для себя, открыл, и слушал. Волшебно, других эпитетов, у меня нет.

[@stephenjoeagi]

One should not be embarassed to shed a few tears when listening to Michael Rabin. His gorgeous sound virtuosity, and impeccable musical taste has haunted me since I saw the movie 'Rhapsody' where he dubbed Vittorio Gasman playing the violin, almost 60 years ago. We should be grateful for the existence of these recordings.

[@kanashihana]

Best version ever of this piece

[@phuang3]

I agree. IMHO, the closest would be Anne Sophie-Mutter's version.

[@jonnykam]

By far

[@yomeroca]

NOBODY can play this piece than Rabin. The tone is gorgeous and his musicality exudes feeling to keep you crying all night. Every single 1/16 note is so transparent and clean, and the pizzicatti in the second part of the fast part (I'm starting to sound like Groucho) are all crystall clear and in perfect tempo. Not even Heifetz's rendition is as lucid. Joshua Bell in the original arrangement with piano can do it, but he plays so fast at the end that he destroys the piece he was building decently. .I never understand why every good violinist (even excellent) insists on playing this batlle horse. They all fail, or barely pass the pizzicati walking-on-fire test, skipping notes or sounding horribly muddled, and then try to compensate by accelerating like hell towards the finale, hoping to be forgiven for their travesty.

[@onseayu]

you've actually played this before I assume? i completely agree, pretty shocked at what the pros get away with, but maybe standards have changed? also agree that so far this performance has the cleanest rendition of that passage so far. i haven't heard perlman yet, but i'm gonna go ahead and guess "no" considering his massive sausage fingers.

[@blonda.bacoviana]

Listen to Ion Voicu too

[@sherom]

I heard most of all the greats play this, Rabin in my opinion brings out all the emotion there is to bring out !

[@greggoryrice7046]

Listen to the slow movement. No one ever had this unbelievable of power and legato. It wasn't just beautiful sound, it was pure, undulterated expression.

[@michaelgrieve7578]

His soaring high notes leave you breathless - all young contestants should listen to this performance before they play in their Competition finals. Pure musical genius that can't be beaten.

[@ewaldsteyn469]

Why are we as people always so obsessed with something having to be the best. In my view there is no such thing as 'the best recording ever' of any composition! Rather call this your favorite recording if you prefer this above any other- with such a statement no one can argue! Anyway, this piece is WAY TOO GOOD to be defined by just one violinist. For me there are 4 recordings of this masterpiece that stands out above all others I've heard: Heifetz (for his sure technical brilliance - for my ears one else does technically as brilliant, despite all the contrary claims by Rabin fans), Leonid Kogan (2 videos on KZbin- simply magnificent!) and then Rabin and Francescatti (what makes theirs stand out for me is not just their technical brilliance - their prerformances brings live to this piece like almost no other performances can - absolute joy to listen to both). If you want to limit yourself to just one performance, then do so. As for me, Zigeunerweisen is more than just Rabin. I listen to and fully enjoy all the ones I mentioned.

[@SylviaXTan]

Totally agree. My favorite is version is of Heifetz for its power, speed, and subtle nuance. Rabin's version is very musical and enjoyable, but the first part is kind of slow to me, maybe I am just spoiled by Heifetz.

[@franciscoespinozagamboa6490]

...tienes razón

[@williamferrill7938]

@@SylviaXTan Even Heifitz, after retirement, said if he had it to do over again he would slow down his tempo.

[@hansmahr8627]

I agree. I really don't get people who claim that there's this one perfect performance that trumps all others. The great thing about classical music is that there are so many different ways of interpreting a piece. If there was such a thing as THE perfect performance we wouldn't need new recordings, classical music would be done. There's not a single piece I can think of where I have only one favorite performance. It always depends on my mood, sometimes I want Heifetz, sometimes Rabin, Oistrakh or Vengerov. I don't feel the need to find one recording to rule them all.

[@JAGallery]

Rabin is doing the best interpretation for me because I feel this deep madness and the deep will to perfection - but in any case: technically and feeling!!! Some others have more from the one side or the other...but he is the only one who brings both perfectly toghether...Unreached till now! HE is the Violin Player of all time!!!! For that he died young. Thank you for your eternal play...!!!!

[@KoteikaUchenaja]

Гений! Невероятное исполнение! Лучшее из всех, которые я слышала. А слышала всех великих скрипачей. Но такого, как Майкл не было и не будет! Очень жаль, что он так рано ушел. И какое счастье, что остались его записи!!!

[@tskrobola]

I thought Heifetz had the best recording of this piece, boy was I wrong. This is even better...I did not think that was possible. His pizzicato is completely seamless, absolutely rhythmic and tonally perfect...incredible!

[@elainebmack]

This is my first time hearing Michael Rabin. He really takes his time with this, making it sound truly improvised.

[@anumoli]

I love how he's not afraid to take his time. Actually sounds like an improvised gypsy piece as it is supposed to.

[@TimeStrider]

I've heard most of the other renditions of this piece here and as far as I'm concerned Rabin OWNS this piece!

[@lilHeifetz]

Tragic that he died so young... With recordings like this, who knows what he could have done even 5 years down the road.

[@user-ib3jy4vi8e]

Не описать словами те чувства,которые вызывает исполнение Майкла Рабина!!!!Непревзойденное мастерство из всех великих скрипачей!💓💓💗💓💗💓

[@kingturtje]

Yeah! Rabin is definitely one of greatest violin players in the recording-history. So glad that all of his recordings have decent quality. What a charisma, what a performance. Truly great man.

[@unclePTM]

so sincere, so pure, so wonderful...

[@MikeDrewYT]

This is amazing. He absolutely owns the style & character of this piece.

[@nvsmp]

His left hand pizzicato is for me, wonderful Good song

[@tamazpatarkalashvili2811]

Indeed, It must be the best performance of this genial composition of Sarasate.

[@artielon]

' love Michael - the "bel canto" touch - the tone - the finest recording!

[@ziegunerweiser]

greatest recorded violinist ever

[@oreoproductions323]

Love this song.. Playd very well..

[@Otilia-by4nc]

I like! Interpretation ... wonderful! Thanks for posting!

[@Violincrazy]

This is the best recording of this piece

[@vvmaster2010]

Clean and fast! RIP Michael

[@billlowe6883]

Michael Rabin was in his own league

[@grantmusic8237]

So Amazing and musical!

[@KyotoMelody]

why I didnt see this video sooner...hmm... perhaps its now released! He started to learnt playing the violin when he was 9! Amazing!

[@operalament]

He has always moved me tremendously. My teacher was delighted when I told her I think he was the greatest violinst

[@TannenNinja]

I admire this rendition for it's crispness. the orchestra is right one with Rabin. It's very impressive.

[@hi123456789011]

how do you call this "no depth, no volume..."??? rabin is probably the most underrated violinist ever this song drew me into listening to the rest of his music bravo rabin!!

[@terrestial63]

Thank you!!! fav.

[@joaquintall5180]

Michael could make that 1735 Guarnerius del Gesù do things that only a Paganini could do. In fact, if you have a copy of Itzhak Perlman's first LP, the 24 Caprices of Paganini, [Angel S-36860] you'll notice that, on the back side of the album, Itzhak wrote the following dedication to Michael: "I would like to dedicate this album to the memory of my dear friend and colleague, Michael Rabin. In preparing for this recording, his influence was a constant source of inspiration for me. ---Itzhak Perlman" Lastly, find a copy of the Paganini-Kreisler "Moto perpetuo, Op 11". It's on the Angel LP, S-60199; surely there is a cd with this piece of grandeur on it. In the liner notes the chief recording engineer, Carson Taylor, speaks to Michael's brilliance: "Particularly memorable was Michael's playing of the 'Moto perpetuo", which, believe it or not, was just one take." The 19th century had Paganini...the 20th century gave us Michael Rabin. Enjoy those precious few recordings that he left for us.

[@georgewilliamrobicheau1583]

I particularly like the Sarasate work,"Zigeunerweisen" as played by Isaac Stern in the movie Humoresque

[@ssw4m]

This was the first recording of Zigeunerweisen I heard, many years ago, and I still like it best. There have been other great performances also, of course.

[@DualThunder]

LEGEND.

[@sherryjakey1856]

He was my teenage heart throb.

[@dmelkumo]

YES!

[@behrang.hp7]

its so prefect

[@GilaGoldsteinPianist]

Beyond amazing

[@mishana88]

Уникально-гениальная игра на скрипке!

[@rogerioortega8197]

Impressionante! Muito lindo saudades de um exímio violinista...

[@DualThunder]

@legman36 now that you mention it, yeah his left hand pizz is incredible. I think rabin is totally under rated.. i know a lot of violinists who havent even heard of him

[@Bachismydiety]

WONDERFUL sound! He really captures the pathos, gypsy character. Although it is slightly too slow for my taste. Sarasate himself said it should feel like an improvisation, constantly in a feeling of movement ad lib. Nevertheless, truly beautiful interpretation, he makes me want to cry!

[@cattleman6420012000]

Michael Rabin was an incredible violinist. What a shame he died so young. He had one of the greatest talents ever.

[@exb1]

Exceptional!

[@paulostroff99]

Amazing! If he is not in the top 10 violinists ever,then I'd like to know who is! Glorious.Bravo!

[@shapoortoorkey4512]

Superlative. Would certainly consider this among the best if not the best

[@Alegrias23]

I never like the idea to turn performing arts into competitive sports. All I know is this piece has brought me to my knees.

[@the_platform]

Look, I'll be the first to say that this is the best "recording" of Zigeunerweisen. Sure, there might be those who can play it better repetitively, but this is the best version laid down on track. (mostly because of 5:37 - 7:06. His draw and vibrato are 2nd to none. And I stand by my claim. By the way, Heifetz' version of this piece okay. Great. But okay. Not as good as Rabin's. Promise.

[@rapter9800]

Godly left-hand pizzicato

[@vierahorvathova9451]

BEAUTIFUL

[@ponton_ponton]

Until today the ultimate, unparalleled performance of Gipsy Airs.

[@nvsmp]

Beautifull vibrato, I love this song.

[@ottokarvonschnallenburg2572]

Song?

[@wambui37]

@legman36 I forgot to mention, "M.Rabin" is of course a brilliant violinist, only the play manner of "Heifetz" touches me even more.

[@fuaktarded61]

@legman36 its not just the most powerful, but theyre placed so perfectly while hes playing that fast...something i can only dream of doing @_@

[@IlyaMrKim]

very good playing)))))) very good quanity)))))

[@anapianolove]

🥰

[@RevoltingRudi]

@Jettmusica93 he was on alcohol like medication and slipped out on slippery floor. banging his head on a chair an died with a broken head at age 35. yeah home is a dangerous place.

[@artielon]

Just finished taking in the 10th Sibelius violin competition and after that this recording: They were good - this is memorable!

[@WomanViolinMaker]

Wonderful! Inspired by a trad. serbian melody ❤️️

[@Kyriaeus]

I'm pretty sure he meant that the pizzicato was done so well that he felt envious/jealous of it.

[@cnl147]

It's so beautiful... Shred this via "Google"

[@chanhnguyen2215]

Michael Rabin is the number One among students of Evan Galamian.

[@leoncioviolin]

RABIN GRANDE

[@wambui37]

@legman36 I can read it, as well as I am a big fan of "Heifetz", you are a fan of Rabin. This is OK. The most important one is, it is a very good music and it are very good violinists. The rest is a taste thing.

[@themusicdr]

superb rendition. i see what ppl are referring to re fearsome pizzicatto

[@TimeStrider]

I would love to hear Markov play this, he also has an incredible left-hand pizzicato (listen to his Pag 24th Caprice)!

[@user-ec6gh1yc7k]

Слышна , грусть. ( спасибо. Я не знал, об этом. )

[@lolmanerik]

maybe the best ever

[@billlowe6883]

Unbelievable

[@chazzunusmaven]

The other young violinist was Yosef Hassid who was diagnosed at age 26 with Schizophrenia, a very debilitating mental disorder, underwent a lobotomy, whereby they removed the front part of his brain, and he died as a result of complications of the surgery. You can search on YT for videos of Hassid.

[@2ndviolinist]

Has anyone taken the trouble to listen to Sarasate play it, unfortunately abridged, available on YT?

[@jonnykam]

I did, and I did not like it as I like Rabin's rendition. Indeed, there's no shortage of examples whereby the performer understands and plays a piece better than the composer. See Scriabin-Horowitz, Rachmaninov and again Horowitz or Argerich, Domeniconi and Desiderio, etc.

[@glibnit]

2ndviolinist, you're quite right, Sarasate's performance is unique. The music is dynamically layered to expose phrasing, as if a gypsy ensemble were at play. Quite brilliant.

[@WorldYouthOrchestra]

our violinists shaham or rabin or others have not this incredible sound!!!

[@yegenek]

So what's the connection with Virtua Fighter?

[@zexsii]

he truly know to play violin! greate

[@joelkatz8729]

Spectacular, gorgeous playing. Interesting that the temp is so much slower than Sarasate's performance; He squeezes every last ounce of expressive juice out of the music. Is that Galamian in the photo?

[@4Topwood]

Not Galamian. Zino Francescatti.

[@janghoonlee1108]

그의 삶이 너무 짦았음까 서른 다섯의 나이

[@andreashelling3076]

Kind of intensity in the soundproduction you here rarely

[@anta_pamta]

Who keep up in the first 7 minutes without tears, it has stone instead hart.

[@hi123456789011]

@andreaandrewmilnefan lol, misclicks or mouse twitches

[@chazzunusmaven]

Are there any videos of Michael playing anything other than the Fritz Kreisler piece, video of him playing other than just audio. If so plz let me know.

[@wambui37]

to bellphegor I am completely of your opinion, however i find the sound even nicer with Heifetz and his technik even better! but only a little

[@Jettmusica93]

Oh, goodness.......

[@cjh37878]

I honestly preferred Heifetz's performance, but I'm not someone who sticks to the music 100%. This recording is the most like the one recording of Sarasate himself playing the piece.

[@TimeStrider]

@pavobaxter I have - and I haven't fully recovered yet!

[@tristan01101]

@5starcomment .. anne sophie.. :x

[@TatOuOu23]

7:36 just enjoy

[@user-nl3ps5gx6j]

지고이네르바이젠 연주는 마이클 래빈의 연주가 세계 최고~!!!

[@PlatypusofCalifornia]

That is shocking, I started at nine, I cannot even begin to compare myself with rabin. It is a pity what happened to him, and the worst part is that we can't understand it.

[@tamazpatarkalashvili2811]

I can not choose who is better Rabin or Kogan perform this piece?

[@Eugen_969b]

Лучше не знаю, а так же -- Я. Хейфец.

[@huatudela4189]

this is better than heifietz's interpretation( my opinion )

[@TimeStrider]

@DualThunder Yes it's sad, but then I guess that's what happens when you die young.

[@KyotoMelody]

learn*