Jascha Heifetz (Russia, USA, 1901-1987)

Jascha Heifetz was the leading figure among the extraordinary group of Russian Jews who dominated violin playing in the second and third quarters of the twentieth century. As a technician he had no superior, and, of all the artists of his time and later, only two or three could even offer a challenge to his electrifying precision of execution. His diamond-point tone and quick vibrato afforded his playing a clarity of line that some felt was almost too perfect, even cold. Most conductors and other violinists -- and audiences -- felt differently and a Heifetz concert inevitably drew sell-out crowds.

Heifetz was born in Vilna, where his father Ruvim was a violinist in the city theatre. When he was three, his father bought for him a quarter-size instrument and gave him beginning instruction. B... read more