The Israeli-born violinist, Yehonatan Berick, has passed away following a battle with a rapid form of cancer. He was 52.
A prizewinner at the 1993 Walter W. Naumburg Foundation, Berick combined a busy concert schedule with teaching. At the time of his death, he was professor of violin at the University of Ottawa. Earlier, he served on the faculties of the University of Michigan, McGill University, and the Eastman School. His gifts as an inspirational teacher are on display in this clip.
Here is Yehonatan Berick’s soulful performance of Improvisation and Dance, Op. 30 by the twentieth century Israeli composer, Paul Ben-Haim (1897-1984). Berick is joined by pianist, Gila Goldstein.
Here is an expert from Berick’s DVD recording of Paganini’s 24 Caprices. Listen to the perpetuum mobile madness of Caprice No. 5:
Recordings
- Ben-Haim: Improvisation and Dance, Op. 30, Yehonatan Berick, Gila Goldstein centaurrecords.com
- Paganini: 24 Caprices, Yehonatan Berick soundset.com