Gitlis was born in August 1922. That makes him 88 (eighty-eight) years old in this performance. Incredible! Sure, his tone isn't what is used to be, but technique and intonation remain solid, and the temperament and ability to communicate with the audience are totally undiminished. Must've been the experience of a lifetime for the students who were accompanying him.
OMG......over 80 years old.....still controvercial...still very much alive.....harsh..... so very much like Gitlis. And musically so interesting. Never boring, always himself.......the art of Ivry Gitlis. Listen to him with your eyes closed: clearly, that's Gitlis. a great character, one of the best there is.
I wonder if there has ever been an orchestra behind this brilliant and creative player that has been able to not only stay with him but understand and support how he just dances with the compositions he performs. It must be very challenging! To their credit, they did the best they could, including how hard the concert master was leading the group. That would have been some workout. :)
