Object in focus
Aged just 12, the violinist Yehudi Menuhin was commanding a lucrative salary touring and performing across America during the winter seasons before returning to Switzerland for his studies. In December 1928, Yehudi and his manager-father were staying in Los Angeles, where Yehudi premiered Ernest Bloch’s Abodah on 16 December. Amongst the fans gathering backstage to congratulate Menuhin after his performance was Charlie Chaplin.
Although most famous for his comic performance as “the tramp”, with the iconic costume of moustache, bowler hat and waistcoat, Chaplin was by this point a universal star, building a successful career as director and composer as well as actor. One of his most famous pieces, Smile, was originally the theme tune of his 1936 film Modern Times and lyrics were added in 1954. Originally performed by Nat King Cole, it has since been covered by the likes of Michael Jackson, Diana Ross and the cast of Glee.
Chaplin was a keen violinist, himself left-handed, and invited Yehudi to the United Artists studios – which he co-founded – for the day, where this photograph was most likely taken. United Artists has released films since 1919; famous movies include Alfred Hitchcock’s Rebecca (1940), much of the James Bond franchise, including Dr. No (1962) and Martin Scorsese’s Raging Bull (1980).
The group – alongside Yehudi’s father, Mosche, and Louis Persinger, his teacher between 1923-26 – were given a personal tour by Chaplin, who is said to have cancelled all meetings and appointments that day in order to entertain them. So enthusiastic was Chaplin about their visit, the group almost missed their train to New York.
With Chaplin as the long-established celebrity, appealing to global audiences through his work, and Menuhin as a star of the classical world, the pair could be considered at opposite ends of the artistic spectrum. The photo captures the two meeting in the middle.
Source:
H. Burton, Menuhin, Faber & Faber, 2000, p. 82-83. Available in the Academy Library: 785.9 MENUHIN BUR
