Description

MOÏSE LÉON ZIGHERA (PARIS, FRANCE, 25 NOVEMBER, 1890 – YVOIRE, FRANCE, AUGUST, 1988)

 

 

 

 

Moïse Léon Zighera was a French violinist, educator, and composer whose career spanned much of the 20th century. He is remembered primarily for his pedagogical contributions, technical studies for violin, and his long career as a respected teacher and conservatory figure.

Born in Paris in 1890, Zighera showed early promise as a musician. He entered the Conservatoire de Paris, where he distinguished himself as an exceptional student. At around the age of fifteen he received the Première Prix de Violon (First Prize in Violin), unanimously — one of the highest honors for young French musicians.

This early success positioned him for a dual career as a performer and pedagogue.

Zighera performed widely during his active years, especially from the 1910s through the mid-20th century. He gave numerous recitals in:

France

England

Italy

Canada

Switzerland

His playing was noted for clarity, discipline, and a classically French violin school aesthetic.

One of his later-known performances was a 1978 recital in Thonon-les-Bains, given with the pianist Pierre Barbizet, documented in the Maison des Arts du Léman archives.

Zighera devoted much of his life to teaching and institutional work:

He served repeatedly as jury member for violin examinations at the Conservatoire de Paris.

He was also invited to adjudicate at numerous provincial conservatories, which reflects his national reputation.

He founded and directed the Conservatoire de Mâcon, where he developed a strong tradition of violin education and influenced generations of young musicians.

His teaching style stressed rigor, solid technical foundations, and careful development of bowing and intonation.

Zighera’s most lasting legacy is his collection of published pedagogical works for the violin, issued chiefly by Max Eschig, one of France’s major music publishers.

His works include:

Méthode de Violon

10 Études pour Violon

6 Études pour Violon

Gammes et Arpèges (1re et 3e positions)

Solo de Concours pour Violon

These technical volumes, focusing on positions, bowing patterns, scales, arpeggios, and fundamental skills, continue to be used in conservatories and music schools today.

Zighera spent his later years near Lake Geneva. He died in August 1988 in Yvoire, France, at the age of 97.

Even after his performing career slowed, he remained active in musical circles, attending concerts and supporting local music institutions.

 

 

TRACKLIST

 

1. Air on the G String (Bach-Wilhelm) Decca T. 134
2. Gavotta Variata (Pugnani-Corelli) Decca T. 134 FMA. 1377 A
3. Humoresque (Dvorak) Gramophone K-5233 BFR 142-2
4. Nocturne en mi bémol (Chopin) Gramophone L615 CFR 141-1
5. Rondino (Beethoven) Decca M. F. 162 FMB 1590 B
6. Serenade (Drdla) Decca M. F. 162 FMB 1589 A
7. Serenade (Pierne) Gramophone K-5233 BFR 143-1
8. Thaïs (Masssenet) Méditation Gramophone L615 CFR 140-1
9. Violin Concerto No.2 in E BWV1042 (Bach) Orchestra conducted by Anthony Bernard Decca FMA1585-88