This is a fascinating read about Jascha Heifetz, the world-renowned violinist, in the years preceding his Carnegie Hall debut. It explores his family life and history, as well as documenting his travels and concert programs throughout his early career, which began when he was just seven years old.

Many are aware that he studied with the storied pedagogue Leopold Auer (teacher to violin greats Toscha Seidel, Mischa Elman, Joseph Achron, Efrem Zimbalist, and Maude Powell, among others). But he also studied for some time with Ionnes Nalbandian, another Auer student.

Heifetz, a man of few words, was very reluctant to speak of his early years. He was reported to have said, “Born in Russia. First lessons at 3. Debut in Russia at 7. Debut in Carnegie Hall at 17. That’s all there is to say.”

Kopytova explores the legendary violinist’s past, from his first violin lessons with his father and his studies with the aforementioned Auer, through his tours of Russia and Europe. The author writes in depth about Heifetz’s relationship with his family. He was particularly close with his two sisters, who are pictured throughout the book along with other family members from varying generations.

In an endorsement, violinist Joshua bell accurately writes that of all the Heifetz biographies, “none focus in-depth on his fascinating early years in Russia to the extent that this book does.” I highly recommend this absorbing read for classical music lovers.

-Lynn Rosen

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