RABIN, MICHAEL. (1936-1972). American violin virtuoso. SP. (“Michael Rabin”). 1p. Small 4to. New York, May 23, 1951. A youthful black-and-white bust portrait by German-American photographer, James Abresch, of the 15-year-old Rabin playing the violin, inscribed in the upper left portion of the image “to Miss Celia Gordon with best wishes…”

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 widely recognized virtuosity resulted in 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.

Trimmed at all four corners and along the right edge; otherwise very fine and scarce.