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Overview

Michael Tree (born Michael Applebaum; February 19, 1934 – March 30, 2018) was an American violist celebrated for his chamber music leadership and orchestral solo appearances. Born in Newark, New Jersey, he established a long career as both a performer and educator, noted for a warm tone and thoughtful musicianship. Many obituaries and profiles summarize his life in relation to the ensembles he helped shape and the instruments he played.

Instruments and sound

Tree was associated with a historic Italian viola made around 1750 by Domenicus Busan, a Venetian maker whose instruments are prized for their dark, projecting voice. At times he also performed on a mid-20th-century instrument by American luthier Harvey Fairbanks of Binghamton, New York. Commentators often noted his ability to produce a singing line on both modern and antique instruments, adapting timbre and technique to each work and ensemble.

Career and ensembles

He performed widely as a soloist on violin and viola with major American orchestras, appearing with groups such as the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Baltimore Symphony, the Los Angeles Philharmonic and New Jersey orchestras. Tree was a founder of the Marlboro Trio and, most notably, a founding member of the Guarneri Quartet, an ensemble that became one of the most influential string quartets of the late 20th century. Through chamber residency programs and festivals he helped popularize core quartet repertoire.

Repertoire, recordings and teaching

The repertoire he championed ranged from Classical and Romantic quartets to 20th-century works. With the Guarneri Quartet he participated in many recordings and international tours that expanded public appreciation of chamber music. Tree also coached young musicians and taught masterclasses, contributing to the pedagogical continuity of string playing in the United States.

Legacy and final years

Tree retired from active public performance later in life but remained a respected figure among colleagues and students. He died in Manhattan on March 30, 2018, after a struggle with Parkinson's disease. His career is remembered for a combination of technical finesse, expressive depth and a commitment to ensemble collaboration.

Notable facts