Jascha Heifetz

Jascha Heifetz , 1901-87, Russian-American violinist, b. Vilna. He studied first with his father and in 1910 became a pupil of Leopold Auer at the St. Petersburg Conservatory, giving his first public concert the next year. After great success as a child prodigy in Europe, he immigrated to the United States in 1917. Heifetz became an even greater artist in his mature years, combining brilliantly reasoned, tranquil interpretation with unsurpassed virtuoso technique. He arranged a number of works for the violin and commissioned several concertos from contemporary composers.

Heifetz, Jascha (b Vilna, Lithuania, 1899; d Los Angeles, 1987). Russ.-born violinist (Amer. cit. 1925). Lessons at 3 from father, public début in Vilna at 5. Entered St Petersburg Cons. at 8. Gave first public concert in St Petersburg, 1911. While still student, aged 11, played Tchaikovsky conc. with Berlin PO under Nikisch, 1912, in Vienna under Safonov, and in Leipzig. Family went to USA 1917, where Heifetz made début in Carnegie Hall that year. Thereafter worldwide reputation as among very greatest violinists. London début 1920. Commissioned Walton conc., 1939, also concs. by Castelnuovo-Tedesco, Korngold, and Louis Gruenberg. After 1974 played principally in chamber mus. Taught at Univ. of Calif, Los Angeles, 1962–72. Made many arrs. for vn. of mus. by Bach, Vivaldi, and others. Most celebrated transcr. is Hora staccato by Grigoras Dinicu.