Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Obituary: Orrea Pernel

Christopher H. Cowan
Saturday 27 February 1993 00:02 GMT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Pernel Imogen Yolande Wilson (Orrea Pernel), violinist, born St Mary's Platt Kent 9 July 1906, died Bideford Devon 23 February 1993.

WITH the death of Orrea Pernel we have lost one of the last direct links with the great Joachim tradition of violin playing, writes Christopher H. Cowan. She was a pupil of Adila Fachiri who, with her sister Jelly d'Aranyi, had been a pupil of their great-uncle Joseph Joachim. She also studied at the Paris Conservatoire with Edouard Nadaud.

Pernie's students will always treasure her warm-hearted friendship and inspiring teaching. She had close associations with the International Cello Centre (ICC) both in London and subsequently in Scotland where her master- classes were always a great pleasure and inspiration. At one of the ICC summer courses at Schloss Breiteneich, Austria, in 1970, her playing of the Bach Chaconne was unforgettable. She had previously collaborated with Pablo Casals in the US and at the Prades Festival, as well as studying the baroque violin for six months, and so it is good to know that her recordings of Bach unaccompanied suites have been preserved, for her playing not only has the authentic approach but also shows those monumental qualities that are sadly lacking in so many superficial performances of today.

Although Parkinson's disease prevented her from playing the violin in recent years, she mentioned in a telephone conversation that she was playing Beethoven piano sonatas 'at her own speed': this was typical of her indomitable spirit.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in