Emilio Colombo, the violinist, collapsed and died in London on Nov. 24 He was 63 years old, states the "Evening Standard."
He had been playing a Viennese waltz at a West End hotel when he had a heart attack, A doctor attended him. He was taken home. Doctors tried all night to save him, but he died at 6 a.m, Emilio Colombo has played frequently for members of the British Royal Family, Millions of radio listeners knew his music, He had a full, distinguished and adventurous life.
He was born at Magenta, Italy, and his musical career began when he was seven years old. Propped up on bundles of scores he played first violin in his father's orchestra travelling around Europe, At St, Petersburg Tschaikovsky heard him play and on his advice he was sent to Liege to perfect his technique.
In 1910 he went to live in St. Petersburg. Concerts brought him fame. He became the Tsar's violinist, At the Russian Court he saw Rasputin, of whom he once wrote:
Rasputin was very fond of dancing. He would come up to me and say. "Play for me. Colombo." As I played he would dance. A broad smile would light up his face, he would raise his arms above his head, smack is fingers and thumbs together in time to the music, and dance. His dancing was anything but graceful, and reminded me of nothing so much as the performance of a great Russian bear.
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