Temperament Is a Costly Luxury for Misha Elman

1920

FAMOUS VIOLINIST, WHO BROKE CONTRACT TO PLAY HERE, FORCED TO PART WITH COIN

Misha Elman, "the Great Elman," by his own admission, has learned that an "artistic temperament" is a costly luxury, especially when he gives vent to it in Appleton. The famous violinist is out several hundred dollars because of his refusal to carry out his contract to appear in a concert at Lawrence Memorial chapel a few weeks ago, it was announced this morning. Dean F. V. Evans of Lawrence Conservatory yesterday received a check from Elman's lawyers in payment in full of the conservatory's claims against the artist. The conservatory was represented by Attorney J. P. Frank.

It will be remembered that Elman was to appear here in concert shortly after Max Rosin, boy violinist thrilled Appleton music lovers, but the Russian star was seized with a fit of temperament and refused to go on with the concert because music lovers had been invited to compare his music with that of Rosin. "Compare me, the great Elman, with Max Rosin, a mere boy, bah!" Elman is alleged to have said. He also was peeved because, he said, his concert was not advertised sufficiently.

His lawyers, however, apparently reached the conclusion that in this country "artistic temperament" cannot be accepted as an excuse for violation of contract. Their payment to Dean Evans completely vindicates the latter in his dealings with the artist. It is also possible that Misha Elman will exercise better control of his emotions hereafter.

--The Appleton Daily Post, Appleton, Wisconsin, January 6, 1920, page 5.

Note: His name is frequently spelled Mischa Elman in references to him online.