>Heifetz was even remote from his children. In one of his rare interviews, given to Howard Taubman of The New York Times in 1968, he explained why he had not appeared in a New York solo recital for thirteen years: "I've had my share of touring. I have no further interest in that kind of career. And I can't say I admire the pace at which today's musicians travel. They move too fast; they play too often; they don't pause to reflect."
>Somebody once asked him why he had not written his autobiography, or why no biography of him had been written. "Here is my biography," answered Heifetz. "I played the violin at three and gave my first concert at seven. I have been playing ever since." At his eightieth birthday he disappeared from his Beverly Hills home; he did not want any celebrations or parties. A persistent newspaperman tracked him down, got him on the telephone, and demanded an interview. Heifetz refused. "I have nothing to say." "But, Mr. Heifetz," pleaded the interviewer, "the history of twentieth-century violin playing is your history." "I have nothing to say," repeated Heifetz, and he hung up.