Heifetz As I Knew Him (Amadeus)

Having read all available books about Mr. Heifetz, I was so happy to find this incredible book. Yes, Ayke Agus does give us her background so we can comprehend how she was able to work with, and most importantly, UNDERSTAND him. It is wonderful to read about the man who raised up the art of violin playing to new heights. He also wrote enjoyable and artful violin and piano transcriptions of works for other instruments(or songs). In the book, the story of her care-giving is so vivid that I have been told that in many major hospitals the book is being used as a teaching tool about caring for the aged. When you reach the end of the book you will know so much more about this giant of an artist than you believed you could ever learn. Being a very private person we have never before been allowed into his world. Her description of his last days and her commentary brought me to tears. I was privilidged to hear Mr. Heifetz in performance when I was very young and it was unforgettable! Read this book and understand the man and his art.

It's interesting to see reviewers critize this book as being too much about the author and not enough about Heifetz. These reviewers then go on to reveal more about themselves than about the book they are reviewing. If you are interested in Heifetz, and many people believe that he did transform violin performance, then -- assuming you have already listened to his music -- read the Sherry Kloss book, watch his masterclass videos, get the Axelrod book (and detour into the Axelrod story) and keep all this information in mind while you read The Accompanist's Tale. No one perspective can capture the complexity of this genius.As far as Agus goes, here is her current appraisal of Heifetz, from her Web site:"that stellar musician and tutor, Jascha Heifetz, whose musical beliefs, teachings and art of collaboration I have been privileged to enjoy... "

In her book, Ayke Agus gives us a personal glimpse into the later years of arguably the finest violinist ever to grace the stage. Her book focuses on the last 15 years of the master's life. I found the book to be pretty much an even-tempered telling of his human qualities and foibles. I would have liked more stories regarding his relationships with his children or possibly other friends, just to round out the picture a bit more, but that may not have been possible. Hard to say.

A superb book about Heifetz's later years in California by his student of 15+ years. A real glimpse into the violin master's inner world. Most detailed and revealing….if you love Jascha Heifetz you must read this book.

This book gives insights into the private side of this man as seen by his full time "right hand" person. She was also a musician. So her insights were doubly valuable.

The book itself is in excellent condition as stated in the covering letter.I note that it also stated that the book was signed by both artists..and I quote"...SIGNED and inscribed on the front emdpaper by violinist and pianist,Ayke Agus,...etc"Yes Ms Agus has signed ...BUT not by Mr HEIFETZ...can you please offer an explanation to me re this error of judgement.Otherwise, everything is as expected ..Excellent !Sincerely Karel

I read this book in one sitting while listening to Heifetz recordings. It is beautifully written and paints a sympathetic portrait of a complex and complicated man. Keep in mind that the author is very clear about which period of his life she is able to speak to (the last 15 years)so it will be left to others to portray the whole of his experiences-musical and otherwise. I enjoyed the author's personal history and cultural background, and thought it presented an interesting counterpoint to Heifetz's (and described a person extraordinary in her own right).

learning about this man from someone who really knew him in a way that none of us would have the privilege to know gives us insight on a very special personalityIt brought a tear to my eye when on his death bed heifetz said those 3 little words to Ayke that revealed how he really felt about her

If you are a heifetz fan and you wish to learn more about the legend then this book is a must buy for you. I didn't put the book down until i had finished it, i laughed and cried but most importantly i gained an insight into my favourite violinist that i would not have gotten anywhere else.

Kindleの辞書機能の力を借りて、なんとか読了。 本書は、ハイフェッツの秘書兼伴奏アシスタントを勤めていた女性による『ハイフェッツとの出会いから死別までの十五年間』の回顧録であり、二人が出会った時、すでにハイフェッツは公的な演奏の場からはすでに引退していました。そのため、この本では『ヴァイオリニストとしてのハイフェッツ』にはあまり触れられていませんが、今までドキュメンタリー（ちなみにこの本の著者もインタビューに応えています）などでは明らかになっていなかった彼のプライベートな側面に肉薄する内容となっており、とても興味深いです。　以下、各章ごとのテーマをざっと紹介。第一章：『ファンファーレ』・ハイフェッツの為人について第二章：『序曲』・ハイフェッツと筆者の出会い第三章：『レチタティーヴォ・アコンパニャート』・筆者がヴァイオリンをやめて、ハイフェッツのマスタークラス付きの助手兼伴奏ピアニストになるに至った経緯第四章：『提示部 』・教師としてのヤッシャ・ハイフェッツ第五章：『間奏曲 』・著者とハイフェッツ、二人の生い立ちの照応第六章『序奏とフーガ』・前章の続き。青年になった二人がアメリカにやってくるまで。ここでは著者の話の方が多め。第七章『パッセージワーク』・海辺の別荘とそこで過ごす休日第八章『展開部』・ハイフェッツは注目されることをとても嫌ったが、その名声ゆえに厄介ごとは付いて回ったという話。第九章『音楽年鑑』・この章はやや雑多な内容。→ハイフェッツの師レオポルド・アウアーについて、ハイフェッツと著者夫婦の関わり、ハイフェッツと室内楽、などについて少しづつ。第十章『家庭交響曲』・ハイフェッツの日常風景第十一章『主題と変奏』・ハイフェッツのスタジオと編曲活動第十二章『怒りの日』・晩年のヤッシャ・ハイフェッツマスタークラスの廃止。海辺の別荘も失い、彼はさらに偏屈に。第十三章『悲歌』・ハイフェッツと老い、そして死。第十四章『後奏曲』ハイフェッツの死後のこと

quite informative . He was not the person I imagined him to be. Very autocratic