A not-so-stern birthday observance for Isaac Stern, born 102 years ago today. The great violinist’s hands can be seen in the film “Humoresque” (1947), whenever John Garfield’s character “plays.”
Franz Waxman’s “Carmen Fantasie,” written for the film, took on a life of its own. Not surprisingly, Stern remained a champion of the piece.
He also appeared on the soundtrack of the film version of “Fiddler on the Roof” (1971), playing John Williams’ arrangements. No doubt his contributions helped Williams earn his first Oscar.
A decade later, a documentary about his trip to China, “From Mao to Mozart” (1979), won an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SlDJ2aE7iGs
Of course, Stern’s impact ranged far beyond the silver screen. He was a prolific recording artist and kingmaker who held an enormous influence over other concert artist’s careers – many for the better, some for the worse.
Most famously, he is credited with having saved Carnegie Hall from the wrecking ball in 1960. Sure, it cost New York a parking lot, but the city seems to have done all right without it.
Happy birthday, Isaac Stern.
The Istomin-Stern-Rose Trio in music by Franz Schubert
Stern plays Bach
Stern plays Barber
Stern on “The Jack Benny Program”
Stern in a photo inscribed to Carnegie Hall, ten years before he rescued it from demolition