Back to Show
American Masters
Jascha Heifetz Tests Itzhak Perlman's Skills
Itzhak Perlman reminisces about his first encounter as a teenager with the world-famous violinist Jascha Heifetz. Perlman was a student at Juilliard and Heifetz stopped in at his class to hear him play. After performing, Perlman and his teacher Ivan Galamian thought Heifetz had heard enough. Instead, Heifetz asked Perlman to play scales for him --- a rudimentary exercise in training.
Support Provided By
1:40:12
Follow the meteoric rise of firebrand politician and activist Bella Abzug.
Unlock with PBS Passport
1:23:05
Discover the extraordinary life of poet, philosopher and music visionary Sun Ra.
Unlock with PBS Passport
1:23:55
Learn about Elie Wiesel, Holocaust survivor and Nobel Peace Prize-winning author of Night.
Unlock with PBS Passport
1:52:55
Ahead of his 100th birthday, celebrate the life and career of iconic actor Dick Van Dyke.
1:36:28
Learn about Marlee Matlin, Oscar-winning actress and champion of the Deaf community.
Unlock with PBS Passport
1:23:45
Discover Hannah Arendt, one of the most fearless political writers of modern times.
Unlock with PBS Passport
1:51:14
Trace the life and music of “Society’s Child” folk icon and LGBTQ+ advocate Janis Ian.
Unlock with PBS Passport
1:36:59
Explore the career of cartoonist Art Spiegelman and his award-winning graphic novel Maus.
Unlock with PBS Passport
1:42:06
Take an intimate look into the life and career of screen and stage icon Liza Minnelli.
1:23:25
Learn about jazz artist Hazel Scott, the first Black American to have their own TV show.
52:55
Discover the life of singer Brenda Lee and her musical hits spanning genres and decades.