Johann Sebastian Bach Johannes Brahms Pyotr Il039yich Tchaikovsky - Jascha Heifetz The Supreme (21 tracks) +Album Reviews +Used CD available for Swap

A bargain to top most bargains

F. Behrens | Keene, NH USA | 02/13/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If ever there was a Grabbit, this one is it. The recent RCA Victor release (74321-63470-2) is a two-for-the-price-of-one CD set featuring the Master in seven major works for violin: Bach's "Chaconne," Bruch's "Scottish Fantasy," and the violin concerti of Brahms, Tchaikovsky, Sibelius, and Glazunov. Then as a special treat, we have Heifitz' own arrangements for violin and piano of Gershwin's "3 Preludes." It doesn't get better than this. These recordings span the years 1955 to 1970 and feature such orchestras as the Chicago Symphony (for the Brahms, Tchaikovsky and Sibelius), the New Symphony Orchestra of London (for the Bruch), and the RCA Symphony Orchestra (for the Glazunov). The critics at the time had some quibbles with the recorded sound on one or two of these pieces, but they were all lavish in their praise of the performances: "incomparable," "this disc is a must," and so on. So what if you probably have all these selections on other recordings? At mid-price to get all this is heaven. And what a gift for discerning friends!"

Collection shows the many abilities of Heifetz

nderrick | Holland, Michigan United States | 07/01/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"A wonderful collection of Heifetz playing. This 2 CD set if perfect for a young violinist who needs examples of the finest playing ever. For a cost minded buyer, this set offers a great number of pieces, played by the best ever, for a great price.
For the die hard collector of violin music, though, there is better.
For the Die hard, or anyone else who loves Heifetz, and will pay the price for better sound and more music, try getting the seperate components.
The two concertos are avaliable now in the remastered "livinvg stereo" format, which blows the socks off this CD version.
The Caccone from the Sonatas and partitas in this set is amazing, but so are the rest of the Sonatas and partitas, so buy the whole set of them, it is worth it.
The Glazunov, and Gershwin are not the greatest pieces, I think, you should try the Living Stereo Beethoven and Mendelssohn instead.
The Scottish fantasy is a great piece, but you could get it in another CD along with Bruch's concerto and Vieuxtemps, which make for one great CD.
You can buy all these separate recordings right here at Amazon, try them, you won't be diassapointed.But if you just want a nice collection of Heifetz music for a person who has none, this is a perfect start."

Long review, but please read.

Sam | California, USA | 02/16/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I am also a violinist myself of 13 years. I have played most of these violin concertos almost a year ago.

Heifetz delivers his interpretation to the audience. I always viewed Heifetz as very stern and a reserved man, that he did not show any emotion.

After listening to this CD, my judgment was suddenly changed.

To start with, the Bach Chacconne deserves much credit. Heifetz recorded this live (I have the video)around the age of 70. Despite his age, he performed this piece with such passion and power. His vibrato was perfect for Bach's baroque style. I have listened to this over 300 times (no exaggerating).

Then, there's the Brahm's violin concerto. Heifetz DID play a little fast, but his interpretation made up for it. I personally loved his 3rd movement, which was flawless. As I listened to it, I could feel his bow contact with the violin string. It was unbelievable.

Then, the favorite of mine, Tchaikovsky's violin concerto was incredibly played. Even Kyung Wha Chung's musical ideas could not compete with Jascha Heifetz's perfection. I loved the musical parts, which was very emotional. It was great. Also, I just want to point out the 3rd movement. In his harmonics (the notes that sound like whistling) it was so pure and neat that I simply could not describe it in words, You must hear for yourself.

The Bruch's Scottish Fantasy was one of my favorites. The introduction was so mellow and sad. Once again, I really cannot describe it in words. I advise you to listen to this right now.

The Sibelius Violin Concerto, one of my favorites, was simply played inconceivably. His tone quality was exceptional, and I could not believe such power that Mr. Heifetz had in him.

His Glazunov Concerto was great too. I loved his tone quality and interpretation.

Finally, his Gershwin preludes added a final jazz touch to the album which would enlighten all the listeners after all those minor keyed concertos.

I encourage, no recommend, no COMMAND you to get this album now. I promise you. You will not regret it."

Heifetz shows his supremacy

jkillashark | Saratoga, CA United States | 07/18/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Jascha Heifetz is the most influential violinist of the 20th century. No contest. He played the most difficult pieces with unnerving speed that most professionals today would prefer to slow down. In Jascha Heifetz: The Supreme, there is a select few of violin pieces that are very commonly played in his vast repertoire. Of this I particularly enjoyed the Bach Chaconne, Bruch Scottish Fantasy, Brahms, Sibelius, and Tchaikovsky Violin Concertos. I was most pleased when I heard Heifetz play Tchaikovsky for it is a piece I am currently playing and it was hard for me to find a recording of the Auer version, notably harder than the original score. Heifetz plays it flawlessly. The Finale is played in the style of Auer, his teacher. Auer merely took out parts the seemed repetitive in this fun movement. However, Tchaikovsky is not the only reason why I highly recommend you to buy this CD. The other pieces are performed at the usual Heifetz perfection. This select 2CD represents the top works of Heifetz, showing his supremacy."

The Supreme is a fitting term

Joshua Kaufman | Cincinnati, OH | 01/08/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This 2CD contains three of the five most popular violin concerti out there -- the Brahms, Sibelius, and Tchaikovsky. In addition, it contains Bruch's Scottish Fantasy, Glazunov, and two "extras" in the way of the Gershwin Three Preludes and Bach Chaconne (from Partita #2). And except for those two later pieces, they are all wonderful examples of highly romantic violin with orchestra music -- just the type of music Heifetz excelled at.

Suffice it to say, there are many people with opinions on might be considered the "best" of something. For me, the Chaconne from the Partita #2 for Solo Violin by J. S. Bach amoung the best of the best of any music anywhere. I don't think I'll ever tire of this piece, in its original or one of the number of arrangements. Heifetz here plays the piece very romantically, which may be a deterent to some purests, but this piece is simply of a timeless quality that oversteps any notions of Baroque that most of Bach's music has, and if nothing else, it's very emotional here and I for one love it.

While I'm not always too keen on Brahms, his Violin Concerto is one of those pieces that I do enjoy, especially the final movement. Heifetz does very well here, and you can really feel the Hungarian influence in the final movement. In the Tchaikovsky he doesn't quite push the same level, but it's still very good.
Bruch's Fantasy is another favorite of mine, especially the final movement. Once again, Heifetz really digs into the music and pulls out all the stops, closing out with a final movement that will have you humming along to the wonderful tune. Sibelius's Concerto is his only full-length concerted work, and it's justly popular. As with so much of his music, it contains moments that just 'hook' you, and forgive me for being repetitive, but Heifetz shines here as well. He never lets up in the first movement, which is a mistake that many make, and the finale goes along at the perfect rate.

The Glazunov concerto is slightly different from normal, being a shorter piece played without pause. The once again the highlight is the finale, with its fanfare and what must be incredibaly virtuosic pizzicato work that Heifetz of course pulls of wonderfully. The final work is his own transcription of the Three Preludes by Gershwin, and they show off a different side of his violin playing, and come off well.

So, unless you are allergic to a bit of hiss, which is pretty minor compared to many recordings from the era these were done in, or simply hate violin music, there's no reason not to get this if you don't own any of the recordings here. For the newbie and vet alike, one would be hardpresses to find 2CDs of violin music with as constant quality, both in music and musicality, as this set."

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