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Article: Aristocratic Heifetz dominated the violin
- Article from:
- Chicago Sun-Times
- Article date:
- December 20, 1987
- Author:
CopyrightCopyright (null) Chicago Sun-Times. (Hide copyright information)
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The best story about Jascha Heifetz, who died Dec. 10, comes
from his New York debut in 1917. A box in Carnegie Hall was occupied
by the 47-year-old Leopold Godowsky, a celebrated pianist of the day,
and 26-year-old violinist Mischa Elman, who had been an extraordinary
success in the nine years since his American debut.
At intermission Elman wanted to go out for some air. "It's hot
in here," he said.
"Not for pianists," Godowsky replied.
Elman and Heifetz were both Russian Jews, both products of
Leopold Auer's studio in the St. Petersburg Conservatory. Elman
enjoyed a long and successful career as a violinist. But, starting
at the age of 16 in 1917, Heifetz made things hot for him ...