From the Archive: September 1901

Ysaye the man is tall and massive, a combination of Apollo and Sandow. A powerful, muscular, healthy, strong man apparently, if anything, too muscular; it is not easy to bring under control, and impart delicacy as well as strength to such masses of muscle as he possesses. There is a danger of such a man being what pugilists call “muscle bound.” Ysaye’s face is magnificent. Large, dark, with black lustrous eyes, broad, beautiful forehead, surmounted by a splendid mane of very dark, almost black hair. Nose, neither roman nor aquiline, and yet prominent. Mouth firm, and perhaps sensual, chin firm. As far as appearances go he is quite the most striking personality amongst living twentieth century violinists. His manner is natural and unaffected, and he thoroughly conveys the conviction that his whole soul is in his art…