Description

MISCHA ELZON (WARSAW, MAY 1, 1900 – ?)

 

 

 

Mischa Elzon was a Polish-born violinist active in the 1920s and 1930s, known for his concertizing in the United States and Canada. He appeared in prominent venues and was frequently reviewed in newspapers such as the New York Times, the Bronxville Review, and other local press.

Elzon made his American debut in the late 1920s, quickly drawing attention for his virtuosic playing and expressive style. A 1927 New York Times article described him as performing “at his best,” highlighting his command of repertoire and his emotive interpretation.

1927: Debut in New York, receiving critical acclaim for his performance of broad and technically demanding violin repertoire.

1934: Active in the Westchester and New York concert scene, performing at social events and society concerts, including features in the Bronxville Review and holiday fetes.

1938: Continued performing widely, including concerts reported in local newspapers, sometimes associated with charitable or community events.

Elzon’s style was noted for lyricism, precise technique, and emotional expressivity, aligning with the Russian violin tradition but distinct from his contemporary Mischa Elman. He regularly appeared in concert programs that included both classical violin repertoire and virtuosic showpieces.

While not as widely recorded or remembered as Elman, Elzon was an important figure in North American violin performance in the 1920s–1930s, appearing in major concerts, society events, and newspaper reviews. His career is documented in contemporary newspapers and concert archives, reflecting a professional and respected concert artist of his era.

 

TRACKLIST

 

César Franck (1822-1890)

Violin Sonata in A major

Allegretto ben moderato

Allegro

Recitativo-Fantasia. Ben moderato

Allegretto poco mosso

9589, 9589, 9590, 9590 Pathé, Paris 1923

Heavily abridged recording, reducing movements to one per side, billed on disc labels as numbered ‘Fragments’

Mischa Elzon (violin)

Unidentified (piano)

Elzon performed the Franck Sonata in 1918 and 1919 but not, as far as is known, with Pierre Lucas, his recital partner from late 1922