Baldassare R. Ferlazzo; Violinist

Baldassare R. Ferlazzo, a child prodigy who gave violin recitals early in his career and later performed in movie studio orchestras, has died at a Burbank convalescent home. He was 86.

A longtime resident of Burbank, Ferlazzo died Monday of complications of recent surgery, his wife Estia Ferlazzo said.

Born in Boston, he began playing the violin at age 5 and studied at the New England Conservatory of Music as a teen-ager. Ferlazzo performed violin recitals in his hometown before coming to California in the early 1930s. He performed on radio as a member of the Lyric String Quartet and later was a contract musician for more than 20 years with Warner Bros., in addition to playing in orchestras for other studios. Ferlazzo taught violin at various schools and at home until age 80.

In addition to his wife of 59 years, he is survived by his daughter, Carol Carney of Burbank; brother, Gasper Ferlazzo of Burbank; sister, Lillian Minitello of Burbank; four granddaughters, and nine great-grandchildren.

Visitation is planned today from 1 to 5 p.m. and 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Valley Funeral Home, 2121 W. Burbank Blvd., Burbank, which is handling the arrangements.

A funeral is planned for 10 a.m. Saturday at the mortuary, with burial to follow at San Fernando Mission Cemetery in Mission Hills.