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Gingold Memorial
CEREMONY HONORS MUSICAL
MEMORY
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ot an empty scat was found Feb. 13 at the Musical Arts Center. Students, faculty, alumni of the School of Music and friends of Josef Gingold gathered to honor the late professor and musician, who died Jan. 11 at the age of 85. Gingold was a distinguished professor emeritus of music at IU for 35 years. The ceremony opened with two of Gingold's violin recordings. The first was recorded in 1942, and the other was recorded in 1976 with the Dean of the School of Music, Charles Webb, on piano. Many closed their eyes as Gingold's music filled the room with melodic memories. The people crowded against the walls touched hands, the people sitting down reached to pat each others shoulders, and every face told a different Gingold story. The ceremony proceeded with remarks from IU President Myles Brand. Brand referred to Gingold as a "unique genius, master musician and gentle human Playing "Adagio for being." Brand said Gingold Strings" at the Feb. 13 represented the best of the memorial service, former University's School of Music and students of Joseph Gingold is a model for all to admire. gather on the stage at the Musical Arts Center to honor the late professor The memorial continued with a piece by Johnannes Brahms. The and musician. Gingold, stage was set up with a piano and distinguished professor four chairs to accommodate emeritus of music at IU for graduate student Corey Cerovsek 35 years, passed away Ian. on violin, and faculty members 11 at the age of 85. Gyorgy Sebok on piano, Miriam Fried on violin, Paul Biss on viola While crews disassembled and Janos Starker on cello. the stage following Professor Starker referred to Gingold's memorial service, a violinist lingers Gingold as a "mentor and lifelong to reflect on the ceremony. influence. A true concertmaster." One piece, by Henri Wieniawski, was performed by Joshua Bell, renowned violinist and former student of Gingold who received his Artist's Diploma. Bell studied with Gingold from 1980-1989. His daily lessons were usually three hours long. But he said Gingold "was not a taskmaster ... he taught out of his pure enjoyment of music." Bell said Gingold was the main influence on his decision to pursue a musical career. He was inspired by just hearing Gingold play. Webb said Gingold made magnificent contributions to the world of music, and no student was too young or inexperienced to be taught by Gingold. "[He] developed brilliant artists. The School of Music at IU and the world of music are stronger from knowing him."
The ceremony ended with Samuel Barber's "Adagio for Strings." All of the violinists were former Gingold students. About 100 peri-Ormers went on stage to play their respects to Gingold. The performance was intense, as the bows of the violas, violins, cellos and basses moved with the care and love of music Gingold taught.
Gingold had taught in the School of Music since 1960, when former music school dean, Dr. Wilfred Bain brought him to IU. He become a professor of violin, and earned his title as Distinguished Professor Emeritus. He was also a member of musical juries worldwide, and in 1982, founded the International Violin Competition of Indianapolis, in which he chose the jurors, established the competition's forum and globally set the standards for future competitions.
Before teaching at IU, Gingold had also collected many musical accolades. He was a member of the NBC Symphony Orchestra in 1937. Seven years later he became the concertmaster of the Detroit Symphony, and went on to be the concertmaster of the Cleveland Orchestra in 1947 until 1960.
Because of the wide range of his musical accomplishments, Bain said Gingold had professional friendships all over the world. He regarded Gingold as a "superior person and musician, a real husband and father." He also said Gingold thought of his students as family and did not want any student to be frightened of him because of his professional status.
Every person who spoke of Gingold told stories of his kindness as both a friend and a teacher. Webb said he "experienced real music for the first time" with Gingold. "Gingold will live forever as long as people make music," Webb said. in
