Yehudi Menuhin Plays Mendelssohn Violin Concerto

Legendary recording by Yehudi Menuhin from the Charlie Chaplin Studios, Hollywood, 1947

In 1947, the first concert film in film history was shot in Hollywood: Concert Magic. Yehudi Menuhin and other internationally renowned performers performed classical-romantic works and brought director Paul Gordon worldwide success. At 32 years old, Menuhin, the featured performer was at the height of his career.

When, soon after the Second World War, Yehudi Menuhin was approached by the Hollywood producer Paul Gordon, the violinist immediately saw the potential of having some of his performances caught on film for posterity.

The orchestra, picked from the pool of West Coast musicians who worked in the film studios, is on hand to accompany some pieces, the conductor is the Hungarian Antal Dorati, who frequently worked with Menuhin over the years.

Bach’s famous Air is performed in heartfelt fashion by the violinist, who also plays an obbligato for Eula Beal as she sings an aria from the St Matthew Passion in English.