Not everyone with a stellar talent has had the privilege of having a “minor planet” named after them. But that’s precisely what happened to violinist Igor Oistrakh and his father, when Asteroid 42516 was dedicated to them in 1993.

While he never achieved quite the eminence of his old man – David Oistrakh, recognized as one of the greatest violinists of the 20th century – Igor carved out a respectable career for himself as a performer, a teacher, and a recording artist.

Of course, he also appeared as joint soloist in symphony concerts and in recitals of chamber music alongside his legendary father. The two made a specialty of Bach’s Double Concerto, which they recorded several times.

Igor taught at the Moscow Conservatory, and later in Brussels. With his wife, the pianist Natalia Zertsalova, he recorded the violin sonatas of Mozart, Beethoven, and Brahms.

Igor Oistrakh died on August 14 at the age of 90. The news was announced only today.

Igor Oistrakh and Natalia Zertsalova play Paganini:

Oistrakh, père et fils, play Sarasate:

Their recording, with orchestra:

The sublime middle movement of the Bach, captured in London in 1961:

In rehearsal:

The Oistrakhs and the Kogans play Vivaldi!

Igor plays the Beethoven concerto – with his father on the podium: