Lifestyle, Death and Legacy
A gifted linguist, Yaltah wrote a poem each day of the year in one of six languages. In 1939 an anthology of her poetry, entitled Malgré L'Espace, was published privately. The anthology is currently held by the Harry Ransom Humanities Research Center at the University of Texas.
Yaltah lived under the shadow of her more famous brother and sister; in spite of the fact that many, Yehudi included, considered her to be the most talented of the three Menuhins, she never quite managed to match the careers Yehudi and Hephzibah had. This did not lead to bitterness on Yaltah's part; she completely and unequivocally worshipped her siblings, and remained devoted to—even slightly in awe of—them for all her life.
Much like her brother and sister, Yaltah was a wonderful facilitator, bringing together people from all walks of life, musically and in friendship. Yaltah was surrounded by people from all walks of life, young and old, and her home was a haven to everybody. In Yehudi's own words: "Yaltah is a ministering angel, handing out remedies, crutches, comfort to the ailing who come to her door, reaping the rewards in kindness and gratitude that life has otherwise denied her."
She was happily married to fellow-pianist Joel Ryce for 40 years. The duo Menuhin/Ryce won the coveted Harriet Cohen International Music Award in 1962.
Yaltah died at her home in London on 9 June 2001, just a few days after giving her final recital at the Orwell Park School, Suffolk, of which she was an honorary patron.
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