(MUSIC: Giovanni ViottiViolin Concerto No. 22 in A Minor)

VOICE ONE:

Many consider him the greatest concert violinist in the world.The music of Itzhak Perlman is our program today on the VOA SpecialEnglish program, THIS IS AMERICA. I’m Steve Ember.

(MUSIC)

VOICE ONE:

Itzhak Perlman was born in Tel Aviv, Israel, inninteen-forty-five. Today he lives in New York City. But his musichas made him a citizen of the world. He has played in almost everymajor city.

He has won fifteen Grammy awardsfor his recordings. He has also won four Emmys for his work withtelevision.

Itzhak Perlman suffered from polio at the age of four. Thedisease damaged his legs. Today he uses a wheelchair or walks withthe aid of crutches on his arms.

(MUSIC)

But none of this stopped him from playing the violin. He began asa young child. He took his first lessons at the Music Academy of TelAviv. Very quickly, his teachers recognized that he had a specialgift.

At thirteen he went to the United Sates to appear on television.His playing earned him the financial aid to attend the JuilliardSchool in New York.

In nineteen-sixty-four Itzhak Perlman won the LeventrittCompetition in that city. His international fame had begun.

(MUSIC)

His music is full of power and strength. It can be sad or joyful,loud or soft. But critics say it is not the music alone that makeshis playing so special. They say he is able to communicate the joyhe feels in playing, and the emotions that great music can deliver.

Anyone who has attended a performance by Itzhak Perlman will tellyou that it is exciting to watch him play. His face changes as themusic from his violin changes.

He looks sad when the music seems sad. He smiles and closes hiseyes when the music is light and happy. He often looks dark andthreatening when the music seems dark and threatening.

In nineteen-eighty-six, President Ronald Reagan honored ItzhakPerlman with a Medal of Liberty. In two-thousand, President BillClinton awarded him the National Medal of Arts. Several majoruniversities have awarded him honors. He continues to receive honorsfor his music.

(MUSIC)

Today, Itzhak Perlman is also busy leading orchestras. He appearson television. He teaches young musicians. He has worked with mostof the top young violinists. He has recorded every major work forthe violin, and has also recorded jazz, ragtime and Jewish folkmusic.

Years ago a reporter asked ItzhakPerlman why he did not play the Violin Concerto in D Major byBeethoven. He answered that he would play it when he had moreexperience. He has since played it and recorded it several times.

For a few moments, close your eyes and imagine you are in atheater. In front of us is the stage. To the left, Itzhak Perlmansits in his chair, near the conductor. The orchestra has alreadyplayed the first two movements of Beethoven’s D Major Concerto. Theviolin leads us to the third, and immediately announces the majortheme.

Listen now as Itzhak Perlman performs with the PhilharmoniaOrchestra of London. Carlo Maria Giulini is the conductor.

(MUSIC: Beethoven’s Violin Concerto in D Major)

Our program was written and produced by Paul Thompson. I’m SteveEmber. Join us again next week for the VOA Special English programTHIS IS AMERICA.

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