UK Prime Minister Tony Blair said Lord Menuhin's "unique talent" brought joy to millions.

Jane O'Brien reports: "He spoke of music as a civilising force"

"He will be remembered the world over as one of the greatest musicians of his age," he said.

German President Roman Herzog and French President Jacques Chirac called Yehudi Menuhin one of the most brilliant musicians of the century.

"With him, a light has gone out, the light of genius and also the light of the heart," said Mr Chirac.

Lord Menuhin died in a Berlin hospital on Friday morning, after arriving in the city on Tuesday for a concert that night.

He was taken to hospital during the week suffering from bronchitis, and died after a "very brief illness".

Died in a Berlin hospital

Lord Menuhin lived in central London with his second wife, the ballerina Diana Gould, with whom he had two sons.

He was a renowned interpreter of classical and modern music, and also famous for establishing the Yehudi Menuhin School in Surrey, which trained other stars such as punk violinist Nigel Kennedy.

'He wanted to share'

The headmaster of the Surrey school, Nicolas Chisholm, said: "I've told the children and they are heartbroken.

"He was inspirational and we're going to miss that inspiration dreadfully."

Kennedy once said: ""He had this box of chocolates he wanted to share with people - that was his attitude."

Biographer Humphrey Burton: "A terrible shock"

Just before Christmas, Lord Menuhin was promoting music teaching in British schools.

He believed music could play a vital role in civilising society.

"Art reflects the refinement of a civilisation," he said. "Music goes both ways. You make yourself heard and listen to others."

Naturalised Briton

Lord Menuhin was born in New York of Russian immigrant parents, but became a naturalised Briton in 1985 and was knighted two years later. He was made a life peer in 1993.

He gave up public performances in his 70s, when his hearing become impaired, but continued conducting at his school at least once a month.

Former head of music for BBC television Humphrey Burton, who is writing a biography of Lord Menuhin, described him as "the world's greatest violinist".

He went on: "Musicians loved working with him. We are going to miss him greatly."