Jascha Heifetz Biography

Fast Facts

• Was fiercely patriotic and toured with the USO during World War II, barely avoiding Hitler's advancing forces in Austria during a European tour in 1938
• Graduated from the school of music in Vilnius and went on to study with Leopold Auer at the St․ Petersburg Conservatory
• Made his impressive debut at Carnegie Hall when he was only 16 years old after his family moved to the U․S․ to escape the Russian Revolution
• Began playing the violin at the age of 3, receiving his first instrument from his father, who was also a violinist and music teacher
• Quote: "[An artist must have] the nerves of a bullfighter, the vitality of a night-club hostess and the concentration of a Buddhist monk․"
• After an injury to his shoulder ended his performing career, he taught violin students for more than 20 years at USC, UCLA, and his home studio
• Published a number of songs, including "When You Make Love to Me" and "So Much in Love," under the pseudonym Jim Hoyl
• Best known as a violinist who was regarded as the greatest violin virtuoso since Niccolo Paganini
• In addition to his live performing career, he also recorded extensively across several genres, from classical to Gypsy melodies and as both a soloist and chamber musician
• Appeared in the 1938 film "They Shall Have Music," in which his only line was "Yes, that's the violin․"