Devy Erlih, portrait d'un violoniste pionnier (1928–2012)

“A sensational attraction”, “a young heir to Paganini”, “a champion of contemporary music”. These are the terms used by the press to describe violinist Devy Erlih at various points in his career.

A child entertainer, he was the star of the Gypsy orchestra led by his father. He performed in brasseries, cinemas, and casinos. The German occupation forced him into hiding. He survived the war with the help of his teacher at the Paris Conservatory, Professor Jules Boucherit. In 1946, a triumphant recital at the Salle Gaveau propelled the 17-year-old onto stages around the world. The First Prize at the Long–Thibaud Competition in 1955 confirmed his place among the most promising violinists. An ardent champion of new works, he quickly became one of their most sought-after performers. His path is intertwined with that of great 20th–century composers: Darius Milhaud, André Jolivet, Giacinto Scelsi, Henri Dutilleux, Bruno Maderna… A passionate teacher, he taught at the Marseille Conservatory, then at the Paris Conservatory and the École Normale.

From the cafés of Montmartre to the Paris Conservatory, by way of the world's greatest stages, this book retraces the extraordinary journey of a violinist firmly oriented toward the future.