YOUNG RUSSIAN TRIES ENGLISH

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21716, 3 February 1934, Page 3 (Supplement)

YOUNG RUSSIAN TRIES ENGLISH

Gregor Piatigorsky, a tall young .Russian, who has been acclaimed one of the greatest masters of the 'cello that has ever been heard, has told a music critic of the Daily Telegraph about his early struggles. At 14 he led the 'cellos at the Moscow Opera, but was so ill rewarded that he escaped to Poland, and thence to Germany, where he was so i hungry that he was thankful to steal a cat's dinner. But a chance came to take another 'cellist's place at short notice, and when the young musician had played in Berlin the hunger days were over. He was asked to play at the White House before President Hoover in 1932. A friend told 'him he would be kindly received, and asked to supper afterwards, and that he must say a few words of thanks. As Piatigorsky knew hardly any English his friend made him rehearse: " Mr. President, ladies and gentlemen, I am truly delighted." Then he was to bow mode:-fcly and sit down. When the time came he roue nervously and said, 11 Mr. President, ladies and gentlemen, I am truly delightful." They laughed, but as an admirer remarks, " he is delightful^"