[Heifetz, Jascha. (1901–1987)]
Statement of Good Health
TLS from Arthur M. Hoffmann, M.D. certifying that the great violinist is "in good physical and mental condition and free from any communicable disease." April 4, 1955. The document was requested before Heifetz's South American tour of summer 1955, and has been stamped by the consulates of Venezuela, Honduras, Chile, Ecuador, Peru, and Brasil. Folding creases and light toning; overall fine. 5.5 x 8.5 inches (13.8 x 21.5 cm).In summer 1955, Heifetz undertook a strenuous tour of South America organized by impresario Ernesto de Quesada. Playing on the well-known rivalry between Heifetz and Mischa Elman, Quesada arranged for them both to tour the same region at the same time, allowing local audiences to compare them in closely-spaced recitals. "From an impresario's point of view—and from a culture-hungry audience's—it was perfect. Elman left from New York, and traveled down the eastern part of the continent, while Heifetz left from Los Angeles and started in the west. Their paths crossed, finally, in Chile." (Allan Kozinn: Mischa Elman and the Romantic Style, p. 245). (15422)
TLS Classical Music