Gregor Piatigorsky: The Life and Career of the Virtuoso Cellist
Author(s): Terry King (Author)
Publisher: McFarland
Publication Date: July 15, 2010
Edition: Illustrated
Language: English
Print length: 368 pages
ISBN-10: 0786446358
ISBN-13: 9780786446353
Book Description
Forced to provide for his family from the age of 8 and thrown out of his home into a bitter Moscow winter at age 12, cellist Gregor Piatigorsky began his career as an archetypal struggling artist, using secondhand and borrowed instruments. When the October Revolution forced his escape to Warsaw, he enjoyed initial success with the Warsaw Philharmonic. Relocating to Berlin a few months later, he again struggled in poverty before eventually emerging as solo cellist with the Berlin Philharmonic. Settling in the United States during World II, Piatigorsky continued a brilliant career that cemented his place as one of the twentieth century’s greatest musicians. This all-embracing chronicle of Piatigorsky’s tempestuous life and career finally reveals the full life story of a musical legend.
Editorial Reviews
Review
“What a great service you have done to the cello world! It is fascinating to read and learn so much of his pre-America life, too!” Lynn Harrell, renown cellist–McFarland publishing
“King as given all of us a great gift–a look into the life of one of the greatest artists and most colorful personalities in music history.” William Preucil, Concertmaster, Cleveland Orchestra –McFarland Publishing
From the Inside Flap
Forced to provide for his family from the age of 8 and thrown out of his home into a bitter Moscow winter at age 12, cellist Gregor Piatigorsky began his career as an archetypal struggling artist, using secondhand and borrowed instruments. When the October Revolution forced his escape to Warsaw, he enjoyed initial success with the Warsaw Philharmonic. Relocating to Berlin a few months later, he again struggled in poverty before eventually emerging as solo cellist with the Berlin Philharmonic. Settling in the United States during World II, Piatigorsky continued a brilliant career that cemented his place as one of the twentieth century’s greatest musicians. This all-embracing chronicle of Piatigorsky’s tempestuous life and career finally reveals the full life story of a musical legend.
From the Back Cover
“Gregor Piatigorsky was one of the most fascinating and charismatic people I have ever encountered. His story, by turns tragic and exhilarating, is unique. It is wonderful that Terry King has now chronicled the personal and musical life of this amazing personality.” Steven Isserlis, renown cellist
“I was amazed. It was like reading about my father for the first time.” Dr. Joram Piatigorsky
“This is what we have long been waiting for: a book that finally puts the Great Piatigorsky in historical context. Terry King’s amazing research and scholarship enlivens the subject and enlightens his readers; a superb achievement deserving of the deepest bows. “Gregor Piatigorsky was one of the most fascinating and charismatic people I have ever encountered. His story, by turns tragic and exhilarating, is unique. It is wonderful that Terry King has now chronicled the personal and musical life of this amazing personality.” Steven Isserlis, renown cellist
“I was amazed. It was like reading about my father for the first time.” Dr. Joram Piatigorsky
About the Author
A Grammy-nominated cellist who studied under Piatigorsky, Terry King teaches at the Hartt School at the University of Hartford and at the Longy School of Music. He also directs Lyricafest, a summer chamber music festival for college and conservatory students.
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