Sascha Jacobsen American violinist Country: USA

1. American Violinist and Music Educator of Russian Origin
2. Teaching at Juilliard School
3. Featured in a Famous Song
4. Legacy

American Violinist and Music Educator of Russian Origin

Sasha Jacobsen is an American violinist and music educator of Russian origin. He was born in Finland and raised in St. Petersburg, where he was preparing to enter Leopold Auer's class. However, as a teenager, he decided to move to the United States. In 1915, he graduated from the Institute of Musical Art with the highest honors, studying under Franz Kneisel. From 1927 to 1933, Jacobsen performed as a member of the Musical Art Quartet, an ensemble associated with the Institute, alongside Bernard Oko, Louis Kaufman, and Mari Reme-Rosanoff.

Teaching at Juilliard School

During the 1930s, Jacobsen taught at the Juilliard School, where the Institute of Musical Art had been transformed. Among Jacobsen's notable students were Julius Hedye, Tsvi Zeitchik, and other prominent musicians. In the early 1950s, Jacobsen served as the concertmaster of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra.

Featured in a Famous Song

Sasha Jacobsen is mentioned in the well-known drinking song "Mischa, Jascha, Tosha, Sascha" by George and Ira Gershwin. The song, published in 1932, pays tribute to four musician friends and their teacher, Leopold Auer. It humorously highlights the deep integration of Russian-Jewish musicians into American culture.

Legacy

Sasha Jacobsen's great-grandson and namesake, Sasha Jacobsen Jr., is a jazz double bassist.