RABIN, MICHAEL. (1936-1972). American violin virtuoso. SP. (“Michael Rabin”). 1p. 4to. N.p., February 11, 1950. An excellent black-and-white photograph by the German-American photographer, James Abresch, showing the young Rabin playing the violin. Signed and inscribed in the lower right portion of the photograph “to dear Mr. Wurlitzer with many thanks and deepest appreciation for all his kindness to me. With love…” [possibly REMBERT WURLITZER (1904-1963)].

The son of professional musicians, Rabin’s musical talents were recognized when he was a toddler. Initially trained by his mother, a teacher at Julliard, he soon became a pupil of Ivan Galamian and, at the age of 13 made his Carnegie Hall debut playing Paganini with the New York Philharmonic. His acclaimed led to years of concertizing and many recordings. Tragically, after falling onstage while performing at Carnegie Hall, he later succumbed to an epileptic condition in his home at the age of 35.

Wurlitzer was a grandson of the founder of the Wurlitzer Co., known for its production of pianos, organs and jukeboxes. In 1949, however, he departed from family tradition to found Rembert Wurlitzer Co., which specialized in violins and was famous for restoring and authenticating Stradivariuses which he sold to some of the world’s leading violinists.

In excellent condition and rare.