Jascha Heifetz – The Greatest Violinist Of The 20th Century

Jascha Heifetz is one of the greatest violinists we had in the 20th century. He was a Russian-American violinist born in a Russian Jewish family. His father was a local violin teacher. When Jascha was not even two years old, his father recognized his potential and bought him a small violin. He was a child prodigy and had his public debut at six for the first time. He went to Saint Petersburg conservatory in 1910, studying under Ovanes Nalbandian and later Leopold Auer.

Career and Recordings:

In 1910-11, he had his first recording in Russia. He was a student of Leopold Auer. Jascha left for Russia in 1917 with his family, then to San Francisco, USA. He became an immediate sensation in Newyork when he first played violin on October 27, 1917. This all happened in Carnegie Hall, New York. On November 7, 1917, he had his first recording for Victor Talking Machine Company/RCA Victor. Here he remained for the maximum of his career.

He was elected as a member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. He was the youngest ever elected member of the organization. In 1925, he became an American citizen. His friend and another Russian immigrant, Emmanuel Bay, accompanied him in concert for more than 20 years. During the Great Depression in the USA, the RCA Vector has cut back on expensive classical recording sessions. So at that time, for several years in the 1930s, he recorded for HMV/EMI.

 He is the owner of an artist personality. Some critics blamed his character for his success. He had collaborated with many musicians in his career. Some of them include cellists Emanuel Feuermann and Gregor Piatigorsky, pianist Arthur Rubinstein and violinists William Primrose, Israel Baker, and Virginia Majewski. He chose pianist Brooks Smith as his accompanist in 1954. They worked together for many years till Ayke Agus replaced Brooks.    

Later Life – Jascha Heifetz

He suffered a partially successful operation of his right shoulder in 1972. After that operation, he ceased giving concerts and recording. He tried to play till the end but could not play as before due to his arm. He taught to play violin later, first at UCLA, then at the university of southern California. In the 1980s, for a few years, he had classes at his private studio in Beverly hills. At present, we can see his teaching studio in the main building of the Colburn School. It serves as the inspiration of many students. 

He died on December 10, 1987, at the age of 86.

Achievements:

According to the “Los Angeles Times,” Jascha is the best violinist since Paganini. According to “ New York Times,” he set all records of playing violin in the 20th century.

He had been nominated for 15 Grammy awards in his career and won 3 of them. He had made albums that came to a big hit. 

With many ups and downs in his life, he is still one of the greatest violinists of the 20th century.

Also Read : A Former Child Prodigy and Co-Founder of Phi Factory – Praveen Kumar Gorakavi