Albert Einstein was one of the most brilliant minds of the 20th century. His theories of relativity revolutionized our understanding of the universe, and his work in quantum mechanics helped to lay the foundation for modern physics. But Einstein was more than just a gifted scientist. He was also a talented violinist, and he often credited his love of music with enhancing his creativity and imagination.
For Einstein, music, and science were two sides of the same coin, both essential for understanding the world around us. And it is this combination of intellect and imagination that made him one of the most influential thinkers of our time. Let’s find out how music has contributed to Einstein’s life and work!
Did Albert Einstein Play the Violin?
Little do people of today know that Einstein, the great scientist behind the equation E=mc2, has had a love affair with music. This Nobel Prize-winning physicist has laid out the foundations of modern physics, quantum theory, and relativity with a violin in his hand.
According to Einstein, music was extremely important to him while he was working. He’d often play music to clear his mind and relax or when he needed inspiration. In short, music has played a significant role in helping him come up with his theories. This genius often goes to his study, gets up and plays the piano, or his violin, and goes back to his study and writes down his new ideas.
Einstein’s love for music is just one example of his many fascinating aspects. Aside from being a great scientist, he was also a talented violinist. He learned to play the instrument at a young age and continued to play throughout his life.
When Did Albert Einstein Start Playing the Violin?
Pauline, Einstein’s mother, was a gifted pianist. She introduced her son to the world of music at the young age of six and encouraged him to take violin lessons. Although all of these initially started out as a challenging chore for the young Albert, he soon began to enjoy playing the violin once he turned 13.
During this time, he discovered different sonatas and concertos. His influences were Bach, Beethoven, and Mozart, which he listened to religiously. Since then, his love and passion for music grew turned into a deeper passion and never faded away.
As he grew older, Mozart and Bach remained his two favorite composers. He would often play their music on his violin and feel a deep connection to their works. Based on some biographies written about him, it is said that music helped Einstein develop his creative thinking skills. It has helped him come up with his theories by providing a different perspective of thinking outside the box.
Similar to Bach and Mozart, Einstein’s theories have shown timelessness and simplicity, and have withstood the test of time. Even today, his theories continue to be relevant and are studied by scientists all over the world.
His brilliance in music and science is a result of his deep passion for both disciplines. He’d often credit music with enhancing his creativity and imagination. He’d often carry his violin everywhere he went, and you’d rarely find him anywhere without his instrument. Although it may not be the same instrument every single time, but affectionately calls them all “Lina.” Reportedly, he’s said to own at least ten violins in his lifetime.
Who Taught Albert Einstein Violin?
With a professional musician in the family, Pauline, Albert’s mom, was his first violin teacher. After a few years of taking lessons from his mom, Einstein continued his violin studies. As mentioned earlier, it was dutiful at first – a chore he had to do. But as he turned thirteen, after discovering Mozart’s sonatas, he immediately fell in love with them and started taking his violin more seriously.
From there, he pursued further violin studies. According to sources, Albert Einstein didn’t have any formal training in music. He was completely self-taught and learned everything through listening to records and watching other people play. Even so, he became quite skilled in playing the violin.
His mother’s influence may have probably started it all, but there’s no doubt that he had a natural talent for playing the violin. Even at a young age, he showed potential in becoming a great violinist.
What Did Einstein Say About Violin? Einstein on the Importance of Music
Einstein once said, “Life without playing music is inconceivable to me. I live my daydreams in music. I see my life in terms of music.”
This quote shows how much Albert Einstein loves music. For him, it’s an integral part of his life – something that he can’t live without. Music has always been a source of inspiration and happiness for him. It has helped him get through tough times and motivated him to achieve his goals.
While we’re all used to having our favorite tunes playing from our phones or iPods, Einstein would often play music on his violin. He was so attached to his instrument that he would carry it everywhere he went. He’d go to other people’s homes, play the violin, and even perform impromptu chamber music sessions whenever there was a chance.
Unfortunately, there are no records of him playing the violin in public. But based on the accounts of those who have heard him play, they all say that he’s an excellent violinist. He was good friends with renowned musicians.
He’d often say that if he wasn’t a physician, he would have become a professional violinist. But despite his love for music, he never pursued it as a career.
Nevertheless, it is his love and passion for music that made him who he is today – one of the most brilliant minds in history. Music has definitely played a significant role in shaping his genius mind.
Final Thoughts
There were no public records showing Einstein playing the violin, though various photographs of him with his instrument exist, indicating his great passion for music. Based on the accounts of those who have heard him play, they all say that he’s an excellent violinist. Even though he didn’t have any formal training in music, he was able to teach himself and become quite skilled in playing the violin.