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- Sale 1167
Timed
Closing from:Jun 14 | 11:00 PM EDT
Timed
Sale 1167
Estimate$500 – $800
Fred Spector began violin lessons at the age of five with his uncle J.B. Mazur, concertmaster of the Czar’s Imperial Orchestra in Saint Petersburg. A lifelong Chicagoan, he attended Hyde Park High School and Chicago Musical College.
Fred flew as a U.S. Army bombardier and navigator in Japan during World War II and became the first American violinist to concertize there after the war ended. He returned to Chicago and became concertmaster of the Civic Orchestra, studied conducting with Rudolph Ganz, and later was a member of the Lyric Opera of Chicago Orchestra.
He was a member of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra for 47 years (1956 – 2003). He was actually hired into the CSO twice. The first time was in 1948 but the music director was fired shortly after he was hired, and the symphony did not honor any of the contracts of the recently hired musicians. Eight years later he was invited to audition again. At that point, he was conducting Top Banana staring Phil Silvers on Broadway. He chose to return to Chicago to join the symphony and start a family with his wife Estelle.
A chamber music enthusiast, he also performed with numerous ensembles in the Chicago area and was a member of the Chicago Strings, the Chicago Symphony Quartet, and the Chicago Arts Quartet for many years. He was also assistant conductor of the Highland Park Music Theatre.
He was a collector of all violin and string instrument related objects. His vast collections of objects included unique and special violins and figurines. He even invented a violin mute that carries his name.
The two pear shaped examples in overall fine condition. It is possible that the side of one body has been reconstructed, a split visible along the bottom of the body. The moth inlaid example with small visible age cracks, discoloration and residue throughout. There are minor areas of loss to the inlay. The tortoiseshell inlaid example having a series of cracks to the top board near the bottom of the body. Dirt and residue to the surface of all examples.
Condition reports are available upon request. All lots are sold “as is,” in the condition they are in at the time of the auction. The physical condition of lots can vary due to age, normal wear and tear, previous damage, and restoration. The absence of any reference to the condition of a lot does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections, or the effects of aging. Prospective buyers must review and agree to the Conditions of Sale before participating in an auction, and it is the responsibility of the buyer to ensure that they have requested, received, and considered any condition report.
The physical condition of lots in our auctions can vary due to age, normal wear and tear, previous damage, and restoration/repair. All lots are sold "AS IS," in the condition they are in at the time of the auction, and we and the seller make no representation or warranty and assume no liability of any kind as to a lot's condition. Any reference to condition in a catalogue description or a condition report shall not amount to a full accounting of condition. Condition reports prepared by Freeman's staff are provided as a convenience and may be requested from the Department prior to bidding.
The absence of a posted condition report on the Freeman's website or in our catalogues should not be interpreted as commentary on an item's condition. Prospective buyers are responsible for inspecting a lot or sending their agent or conservator to inspect the lot on their behalf, and for ensuring that they have requested, received and understood any condition report provided by Freeman's.
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