Michael Rabin (May 2, 1936 – January 19, 1972) was an American violinist. He has been described as "one of the most talented and tragic violin virtuosi of his generation."

Biography

Michael Rabin was of Romanian-Jewish heritage. His mother, Jeanne, was a pianist trained at Juilliard, and his father, George, was a violinist in the New York Philharmonic. He started studying the violin at age seven. His parents supported his musical growth. After a lesson with Jascha Heifetz, the teacher suggested he study with Ivan Galamian, who noted that he had "no weaknesses, never." Rabin began lessons with Galamian in New York and at Meadowmount School of Music and Juilliard. His Carnegie Hall debut occurred in January 1950, at age 13, as a solo performer with the National Orchestral Association, playing Vieuxtemps' Concerto No. 5 under Léon Barzin's direction. Later, he performed with several American orchestras before his Carnegie Hall debut on 29 November 1951, at age 15, in the Paganini D major Concerto, with Dimitri Mitropoulos conducting the New York Philharmonic. His 1958 recording of this concerto is widely regarded as the most notable version of the piece, known for its rich tone.

Rabin's first performance in London took place on 13 December 1954, at age 18, when he played the Tchaikovsky Concerto in D at the Royal Albert Hall with the BBC Symphony Orchestra.

Rabin recorded concertos by Mendelssohn, Glazunov, Paganini (No. 1 in D major; two recordings), Wieniawski (No. 1 in F-sharp minor, No. 2 in D minor), and Tchaikovsky, as well as Bruch's Scottish Fantasy and the Paganini Caprices for solo violin. He also recorded Bach's Sonata No. 3 in C major for solo violin, and the Third and Fourth sonatas for solo violin by Eugène Ysaÿe, along with other virtuoso works, including an album with the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra.

Rabin played in a bel canto style. For many years, he used the "Kubelik" Guarnerius del Gesù of 1735. He performed in major cities across the U.S., Europe, South America, Southern Africa, and Australia. He also appeared on a 1951 episode of the variety television show "Texaco Star Theatre."

During a recital at Carnegie Hall, he suddenly lost his balance and fell forward. This was an early sign of a medical condition that limited his career afterward. He died at age 35 due to a fall in his New York City apartment.