Russian-American violinist and revered teacher Jascha Heifetz (1901–1986) was born in Lithuania and is widely regarded as one of the greatest violinists in history.

“There is no top,” he said. “There are always further heights to reach.”

Taught by his father at age five, Heifetz gave his first public performance a year later. “Child prodigism—if I may coin a word—is a disease which is generally fatal. I was among the few to have the good fortune to survive.”

And survive he did. His stunning American debut at Carnegie Hall in 1917 was met with awe. “Extraordinary virtuosity,” praised critic Samuel Chotzinoff.

Heifetz’s passionate style, tonal precision, and emotional depth revolutionized violin performance. “Maybe even more than the Beatles,” said his student, the celebrated violinist Claire Hodgkins.

Collaborating with pianist Arthur Rubinstein and cellist Gregory Piatigorsky, Heifetz once joked, “If the Almighty himself played the violin, the credits would still read ‘Rubinstein, God, and Piatigorsky.’”

Perfectionist, performer, philosopher—Heifetz embraced life fully. Nature inspired his music, and he traveled often to nourish his muse. Through teaching and performance, he reminded others to play with heart and live with integrity.