David Bar-Illan

David Bar-Illan (February 7, 1930 –  November 5, 2003), Israeli pianist, author and columnist. Original, vintage, pen and ink, "on-the-spot" illustration by George 'Georges' Krishizki. The hand drawn illustration has been signed by Bar-Illan and additionally signed, dated and titled by Krishizki: "Georges / 1977 / David Bar-Illan playing concerto for Piano and Orchestra No 1, E-flat major by F. Liszt."

Bar-Ilan was born in Haifa during the Mandate era, and studied music at the Dona Weizman Conservatory. At age 17, he won a scholarship to study music in the United States, at the Juilliard School in New York. In 1948, following Israeli Independence, he interrupted his studies and briefly returned to the new state of Israel to fight in its War of Independence. In 1950, he graduated from the Juilliard School and settled in the United States, becoming a professional musician and columnist. He recorded six albums on Audiofon, performed at concerts and recitals, and worked at the Cincinnati University conservatory. During his musical career, he worked with conductors and composers such as Leonard Bernstein,Robert Starer, and Glenn Gould. In 1961, he became the first Israeli musician to perform in Germany. He also began writing articles for Eros magazine in the 1960s, and by the 1980s, was a regular columnist for American newspapers. He also became a vocal advocate for Israel and Soviet Jewry.

George 'Georges' Krishizki (March 22, 1924 – December 20, 2001), Russian-Polish-American illustrator who came to the U.S. in 1949. While he earned acclaim for his renderings of the city’s architectural landmarks, it was his on-the-spot drawings of musicians in performance that attracted an especially appreciative audience. In a 1973 article published in conjunction with two simultaneous exhibitions, Georges explained the genesis of his long-running engagement with the concert hall: “I’ve always enjoyed going to concerts, and one day I decided it would be fun to combine my interests in music and art and make sketches of musicians during performances.”  Indeed, the most remarkable feature of Georges’ oeuvre, apart from the astounding range of performers who gladly expressed their approval and appreciation by signing, is the skill with which the drawings are accomplished.

This original pen and ink illustration, measuring approximately 9 x 12, on heavy-weight sketch paper, is in fine condition with some light overall toning. Its verso is blank and clean.