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Louis KaufmanAmerican violinist and violist.
Country:
 USA |
Content:
American violinist and violist
Luis Kaufman was an American violinist and violist. At the age of 13, he was recommended by Mod Powell and Efrem Zimbalist to enroll at the Institute of Musical Art in Franz Kneisel's class. From 1927 to 1933, he played viola in the Musical Art Quartet, a group associated with the Institute, alongside Sasha Jacobsen, Bernard Oko, and Marie Roeme-Rosanoff. In 1928, he was among the winners of the Naumburg Competition for Young Performers. In 1932, he married pianist Annette Leboyle (Kaufman), who would accompany him for the next five decades.
Successful career in Hollywood
In 1934, Kaufman recorded solo parts for the soundtrack of Ernst Lubitsch's film "The Merry Widow," marking the beginning of his highly successful career in Hollywood. It is claimed that he recorded around 400 violin solos for films, including significant and popular ones like "Gone with the Wind," "Wuthering Heights," "Casablanca," and "Spartacus." Despite his work in Hollywood, Kaufman continued to perform and record classical repertoire. His recording of Antonio Vivaldi's "The Four Seasons" in 1950 received the Grand Prix du Disque in France and is said to have sparked a renewed interest in the composer's work. Among Kaufman's other notable recordings are Aram Khachaturian's Violin Concerto, Aaron Copland's Sonata for Violin and Piano (with the composer on piano), and Samuel Barber's Violin Concerto (which Kaufman claimed to be the first recording of the piece).
Conclusion
Luis Kaufman was a versatile American musician who excelled both in the classical and film music worlds. With a successful Hollywood career, he recorded hundreds of violin solos for films, while maintaining his performances and recordings of classical repertoire. His contributions to both realms left a lasting impact and continue to be celebrated.
