Skip to main content
Efrem Zimbalist

Efrem Zimbalist

1 9.9
An American violinist born in Russia who taught many students and played with great skill
  • proper noun
  • /ˈɛfrəm ˈzɪmbəlɪst/
: Efrem Zimbalist
  • Music historians often cite Efrem Zimbalist as one of the leading violinists of the early twentieth century.

Examples

  • Efrem Zimbalist was renowned for both his performances and his work as director of the Curtis Institute of Music.

  • The concert featured rare recordings of Efrem Zimbalist playing Brahms.

  • The legendary violinist Efrem Zimbalist performed at Carnegie Hall.

  • Did you know that Efrem Zimbalist was born in Russia?

  • Efrem Zimbalist was a celebrated violinist known for his exceptional performances and teaching methods.

  • Many music lovers recognize Efrem Zimbalist as a pivotal figure in the world of classical violin.

  • Throughout his life, Efrem Zimbalist inspired countless students at the Curtis Institute of Music.

Surface Forms

Morphology

Efrem + Zimbalist

This is a personal name (proper noun) rather than a compositional phrase; the constituent items do not carry independently meaningful lexical senses that would allow a learner to infer 'violinist' or the biographical information. Knowing the name parts does not yield the MWE meaning, so a B1 learner would not be able to derive its referent or profession from the constituents.

Etymology

Efrem Zimbalist was a Russian-born American 'violinist' and 'teacher' who became famous for his brilliant playing and for leading the Curtis Institute of Music. Picture him on stage with a shining violin and later guiding young players in a classroom, and that image will help you remember that the name refers to a great soloist and influential teacher.