VIOLIN SAVED LIFE

Opotiki News, Volume I, Issue 88, 23 September 1938, Page 1

VIOLIN SAVED LIFE

POLISH MUSICIAN PLAYED IN DEATH CELL LONDON, July 20. — In London arc people whose own little worlds count them famous, wlmse names make home-town head-lines. They are holidaying in England, their comings and goings unnoticed save by those who share their interests. The world of music honours little Polish violinist Stanislaus Frydberg as a master-teacher. He still has the violin that saved his life. He was arrested in Moscow in IDIS, was condemned - to death. He hade farewell to his wile and three-year old son and, n,s his last wish, asked ler his violin. All night he played “the last music; he would hear on earth.” Fifteen of his friends were shot that dawn, tint he was spared and was toUl to pjay again- For 153 days lie lay under sentence of death ancj played his violin every night. Unknown to him, Marshal r l iik'ltaehevsky (himself “liquidated” last year) came to hear the men who played in prison—and the marshal was an enthusiastic student ol (he violin. Krydherg was released. \