The 1953 Library of Congress Recital

Nathan Milstein, born in Odessa in 1904, was a virtuoso violinist whose career spanned over six decades, leaving an indelible mark on the classical music world. Known for his silken tone, superb technique, and stylish phrasing, Milstein was particularly celebrated for his interpretations of J.S. Bach's unaccompanied violin sonatas and works from the Romantic repertoire. His career began under the tutelage of the renowned Leopold Auer in St. Petersburg and flourished after he left Russia in 1925, touring Europe with his friend Vladimir Horowitz. Milstein's recordings, which include masterful performances of concertos by Beethoven, Brahms, Mendelssohn, Tchaikovsky, and Bruch, are testament to his ceaseless search for fresh interpretations and his seemingly inexhaustible reservoir of fingerings. His humanity and purity of playing set him apart, earning him the title of "probably the most nearly perfect violinist of his age" by Harold C. Schonberg of the New York Times. Milstein's legacy endures through his extensive discography and the enduring influence of his artistry on generations of violinists.