Heifetz as I Knew Him

(Amadeus). Ayke Agus came to Jascha Heifetz as a violin student in his master class at the University of Southern California; after he made her the class pianist she soon became his private accompanist and ultimately his assistant and confidante. Her book is a loving yet unblinking testimony to a unique relationship between an aging master and his disciple. Always a difficult person, Heifetz imparted not only his art but his every belief and idiosyncrasy. The greatest violinist of the 20th century was a genius who was also insecure and unreasonable; in many respects the former prodigy had never had to grow up. This memoir is an extraordinary story of a truly unique friendship, told with honesty, understanding, and devotion.