French Violinist Jacques Thibaud Born On This Day In 1880

French violinist Jacques Thibaud was born on this day in 1880 – 144 years ago.

Thibaud began his studies at the Paris Conservatoire when he was thirteen, studying with Martin Marsick. In 1936 he was awarded the conservatory's Premier Prix prize, tying with budding conductor Pierre Monteux.

His professional career started humbly, playing in Paris cafés and nightclubs. He was soon spotted by conductor Édouard Colonne, who recognized his talent and welcomed him into his own orchestra. In 1898 he made his solo debut with the orchestra.

Thibaud gained international recognition through extensive touring with the orchestra (through Europe and the United States in 1903). In 1905, he co-founded a celebrated trio with French pianist Alfred Cortot and Spanish cellist Pablo Casals.

He is renowned for his interpretations of Mozart, Beethoven, and 19th-century French music. His playing celebrated for its beautiful tone and expressive dynamics.

In 1914 he joined the French armed forces during World War 1 and suffered injuries which required him to rebuild his technique. At this time, Belgian violinist Eugene Ysaÿe suggested for Thibaud to turn his attention to teaching, as Cortot had established the École normale de musique de Paris. There, Thibaud's notable students included Manuel Quiroga, Eric Rosenblith, and Joan Field.

In 1923, Ysaÿe dedicated his second Solo Violin Sonata to Thibaud.

In 1943, alongside pianist Marguerite Long, he established the Marguerite Long-Jacques Thibaud International Violin and Piano Competitions, which takes place each year in Paris. Since 2011, the competition extended its reach to include singers, honoring soprano Régine Crespin, it is now known as the Long-Thibaud-Crespin Competition.

Thibaud, along with 41 other passengers, tragically died in 1953 when their Air France flight crashed into Mt Cemet in the French Alps. His 1720 Stradivarius was destroyed in the wreck.

He is remembered as one of the pre-eminent soloists and chamber musicians of his

JACQUES THIBAUD & TASSO JANOPOULO | SZYMANOWSKI | LA FONTAINE D'ARÉTHUSE | 1936