The Art of Violin

1 – The Devil's Instrument This 2-part film explores the history of violin performance during the 20th century and using rare archival footage to illustrate the work of its most significant artists. Starting with a performance of Mendelssohn's Concerto by David Oistrakh in 1908 and by Yehudi Menuhin in 1916, this first part retraces the evolution of violinistic styles and examines the relationship between performer and instrument (with Heifetz, Misha Elman, etc).

2 – Transcending the Violin This second part focuses on several of the greatest violinists (Fritz Kreisler, David Oïstrakh et Yehudi Menuhin) and continues to explore the very personal relationship between artist and instrument. It also evokes the special rapport that exists between the Jewish people and the violin, and includes interviews with: Ivry Gitlis, Ida Haendel, Hilary Hahn, Laurent Korcia, Yehudi Menuhin, Itzhak Perlman.