[Budapest String Quartet] Gorodetzky, Jac. (1913–1955)

Signed Photograph

Scarce signed photograph of the Ukrainian-born American violinist who played for several years with the Budapest String Quartet, before his suicide in 1955. Gorodetzky is shown playing and has inscribed and signed in white ink over the image: "To my dear friends the Moennigs—with sincere gratitude and admiration. Jac Gorodetzky, October 1940." Light silvering; mount slightly irregularly trimmed; overall fine. 4.5 x 6.5 inches, mounted to 5.5 x 8.5 inches (14.5 x 21.5 cm).

Violinist Jac Gorodetzky was born in Odessa but emigrated to London as a child and then settled in Philadelphia before World War II. He replaced Edgar Ortenberg as second violinist with the Budapest String Quartet in 1949. The stresses of touring seem to have weighed heavily on Gorodetzky, who struggled with stage fright and depression. He killed himself in November 1955, while on tour. (16439)
Signed Photograph
Classical Music