The Legacy of Jascha Heifetz and His Cherished Violins

A Prodigy's Journey and His Violins

Born in Vilnius, Lithuania, in 1901, Jascha Heifetz was a child prodigy who quickly gained international acclaim. By the age of 16, he had already performed at the prestigious Carnegie Hall, signaling the start of a storied career. Throughout his life, Heifetz amassed a collection of violins that were not only instruments but also works of art, each with its own history and voice.

The Instruments of a Virtuoso

Heifetz's collection included several violins by the legendary luthiers Antonio Stradivari and Giuseppe Guarneri del Gesù, as well as other notable craftsmen. Here are some of the violins that Heifetz cherished:

• Dolfin Stradivarius (1714): Acquired in 1951, this violin could have been the one Heifetz shielded during the attack in Jerusalem.
• Heifetz-Piel Stradivarius (1731): Played by Heifetz from 1925 until 1950.
• Antonio Stradivari (1734): One of three Stradivari violins played by Heifetz.
• Carlo Tononi (1736): The violin Heifetz brought to the United States and played at his Carnegie Hall debut.
• Giovanni Battista Guadagnini, Piacenza (1741): A fine example from Guadagnini's Piacenza period.
• ex-David Guarneri (1740 or 1742): Now housed at the San Francisco Legion of Honor Museum.
• Guarneri (1740): Purchased by Heifetz in 1920 and declared his favorite, it remained with him until his death.

A Close Call in Jerusalem

In 1953, during a performance in Jerusalem, Heifetz was attacked with a crowbar. In a split-second decision, he used his right bow hand to protect his violin, risking his ability to play again. This act of selflessness for the sake of his instrument exemplifies his deep reverence for the violins he played. Fortunately, Heifetz recovered from this injury and continued to perform for another 17 years.

The End of an Era and a New Beginning

It was not the incident in Jerusalem but a shoulder injury that ultimately ended Heifetz's performing career in 1970. However, he remained active in the music community, dedicating himself to teaching and advocating for various causes, including the establishment of the 9-1-1 emergency system and efforts to reduce smog in Los Angeles.

Heifetz's Impact and Influence

Jascha Heifetz's influence extends beyond his performances. His commitment to his craft and his instruments has inspired generations of violinists. The violins he played, particularly the Guarneri he favored, have become symbols of excellence in the world of string instruments. According to the Smithsonian Institution, the Stradivarius and Guarneri violins are renowned for their superior sound quality, and Heifetz's Guarneri is considered one of the finest examples Smithsonian Magazine.

Rarely Discussed Facts About Heifetz's Violins

While much is known about Heifetz's public performances, few are aware of the meticulous care he took of his instruments. He maintained a strict regimen for their upkeep, understanding that the condition of a violin can significantly affect its sound and value. The market for violins of such caliber is incredibly niche, with Stradivarius violins often fetching millions at auction. According to a report by The New York Times, a Stradivarius violin sold for a record $15.9 million in 2011, highlighting the immense value placed on these historical instruments The New York Times.

Jascha Heifetz's legacy is not only that of a virtuoso violinist but also as a guardian of some of the most precious violins ever crafted. His story is a testament to the enduring power of music and the instruments that bring it to life.