GABRILOVITCH, OSSIP:
Russian pianist; born in St. Petersburg Feb. 7, 1878. When only four years old he evinced a remarkable talent for music, and before he had reached the age of ten he entered the St. Petersburg Conservatorium, his first master being Anton Rubinstein. When about eleven he played a Mozart concerto with orchestral accompaniment, and at sixteen had taken all the Conservatorium prizes for which he was eligible. He then (1894), at Rubinstein's suggestion, went to Vienna to study under Leschetizky, with whom he remained for two years, performing at concerts in Gratz, Vienna, and Berlin. Later he studied composition under Navratil.
In the winter of 1900-01 Gabrilovitch visited the United States, and on his return to Europe performed in London (Richter concerts), Germany, Austria (Vienna Philharmonic concerts), Switzerland, and Holland. He then made several tours in Russia, and subsequently spent six months in Paris, where he appeared with all the principal orchestras. In the autumn of 1902 he again went to the United States, inaugurating his tour by a performance at the Worcester (Mass.) musical festival.
Gabrilovitch possesses a fine technique, and produces a tone remarkable for its brendth and volume. But he has his powers well under control; and while traces of the influence of his mentor, Rubinstein, are naturally to be found in his playing, he renders with equal ability and feeling such widely differing compositions as Tschaikowski's concerto in B-flat minor and that of Liszt in E-flat. Among Gabrilovitch's compositions are: "Caprice-Burlesque"; a gavot; "Petite Serenade"; and "Melodie Orientale."
