Gioconda de Vito (1907-1994) was an Italian violinist known for her vivid interpretations of music from the Baroque and Romantic periods. She was born into a musical family in Martina Franca, Italy, and began studying the violin at a young age with her father, who was a violin maker.
At the age of 16, de Vito won a scholarship to study at the Accademia di Santa Cecilia in Rome, where she was a pupil of Remy Principe and Arturo Bonucci. She made her debut in 1924 at the Teatro San Carlo in Naples and quickly gained a reputation as a virtuoso performer.
In 1934, de Vito won the international violin competition in Vienna, solidifying her status as one of the top violinists of her time. She went on to perform extensively in Europe and the United States, becoming particularly renowned for her performances of the works of Bach, Brahms, and Beethoven.
De Vito’s career was interrupted during World War II, when she refused to perform for the fascist regime of Benito Mussolini. She spent much of the war years in hiding, performing in secret concerts for refugees and resistance fighters.
After the war, de Vito returned to the concert stage and recorded extensively. She continued to perform and teach until her death in 1994. Her legacy as one of the most important violinists of the 20th century is evident in the many recordings and videos that are still available today, showcasing her impeccable technique and passionate interpretations of the music she loved.