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Ruggiero Ricci, violinist

Short Biography

In 1998 Ruggiero Ricci celebrated his 80th birthday, and an extraordinary concert career spanning 70 years. He made his debut in San Francisco at the age of 10, followed by his first tour of Europe in 1932. During World War II he enlisted and became "Entertainment Specialist Ricci", playing and broadcasting hundreds of concerts under a variety of unusual conditions, often without an accompanist, exploring and presenting the largely unexploited solo violin repertoire, of which he has remained an enthusiastic exponent ever since. His was the first recording of the unadulterated Paganini Caprices, and he performed the US premieres of both the 4th and 6th concerti. Ricci has greatly contributed to the world’s renewed appreciation of the great 19th century composers, but maintains a broad repertoire of over 50 concerti, and has performed the world premieres of several distinguished contemporary composers including Ginastera, Einem and Goehr. His discography lists more than 500 recordings. His fourth recording of the Paganini Caprices was made for the first time on Paganini's own Guarneri, exceptionally lent to Ricci by the City of Genoa. At the last count, Ricci has performed over 6,000 concerts in 65 countries.

Ricci's first teacher, from the age of six, was Louis Persinger. He later studied with Michel Piastro, Paul Stassevitch and Georg Kulenkampf. Past teaching posts include Indiana University, the Juilliard School and the University of Michigan. His book, "Left Hand Violin Technique" is published by G Schirmer.

Ruggiero Ricci now teaches at the Mozarteum Akademie in Salzburg, Austria.

October 2000/260 words

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