Jascha Heifetz: The Supreme

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
For many violin fans, Jascha Heifetz (1901-1987) remains, quite simply, the greatest. Heifetz's perfect tone and electric playing weren't always subtle, but you can't deny the awesome power of his virtuosity and precision. Heifetz: The Supreme gathers some of his best-loved works--violin concertos by Sibelius, Glazunov, and Tchaikovsky--along with a few gems (Gershwin's Three Preludes, Bach's Chaconne from Partita No. 2) into one, remastered two-CD package. The Bach may be too intense for some tastes--it's an impassioned, romantic reading--but Heifetz is merely being himself. On the Sibelius and Tchaikovsky violin concertos, though, his skills are undeniable. Fritz Reiner and the Chicago Symphony provide the perfect accompaniment for the violinist, and Heifetz simply lets loose. Heifetz's Gershwin transcriptions are an added, fun bonus. If you haven't been introduced to the glory of Heifetz, here's your chance. With remastered sound, he's never sounded better. --Jason Verlinde

Tracks:

Partita No.2, BWV 1004: Chaconne
Violin Concerto, Op.77: Allegro non troppo (Cadenza - Heifetz)
Violin Concerto, Op.77: Adagio
Violin Concerto, Op.77: Allegro giocoso ma non troppo vivace
Violin Concerto, Op.35: Allegro moderato
Violin Concerto, Op.35: Canzonetta: Andante
Violin Concerto, Op.35: Finale: Allegro vivachissimo

Tracks:

Scottish Fantasy, Op. 46: Introduction: Grave - Adagio cantabile
Scottish Fantasy, Op. 46: Allegro
Scottish Fantasy, Op. 46: Adagio - Andante sostenuto
Scottish Fantasy, Op. 46: Finale: Allegro guerriero
Violin Concerto, Op.47: Allegro moderato
Violin Concerto, Op.47: Adagio di molto
Violin Concerto, Op.47: Allegro ma non tanto
Violin Concerto, Op.82: Moderato
Violin Concerto, Op.82: Andante sostenuto
Violin Concerto, Op.82: Tempo!
Violin Concerto, Op.82: Allegro
3 Preludes: Allegro ben ritmato e deciso
3 Preludes: Andante con moto e poco rubato
3 Preludes: Allegro ben ritmato e deciso

Amazon.com

For many violin fans, Jascha Heifetz (1901-1987) remains, quite simply, the greatest. Heifetz's perfect tone and electric playing weren't always subtle, but you can't deny the awesome power of his virtuosity and precision. Heifetz: The Supreme gathers some of his best-loved works--violin concertos by Sibelius, Glazunov, and Tchaikovsky--along with a few gems (Gershwin's Three Preludes, Bach's Chaconne from Partita No. 2) into one, remastered two-CD package. The Bach may be too intense for some tastes--it's an impassioned, romantic reading--but Heifetz is merely being himself. On the Sibelius and Tchaikovsky violin concertos, though, his skills are undeniable. Fritz Reiner and the Chicago Symphony provide the perfect accompaniment for the violinist, and Heifetz simply lets loose. Heifetz's Gershwin transcriptions are an added, fun bonus. If you haven't been introduced to the glory of Heifetz, here's your chance. With remastered sound, he's never sounded better. --Jason Verlinde

Customer Reviews:

A good taste of Heifetz's musical style and technical supremacy.......2006-04-09

As always, Jascha Heifetz shows his technical mastery of the violin in this CD. He plays each note with intent and a precise control unparalleled by other violinists. His tone quality is also quite good.

While the Tchaikovsky showcases Heifetz's finesse, Heifetz's rendition of the Brahms concerto (esp. the first movement) is very moving. He also shows off his musical range in other pieces; for example the first movement of the Sibelius violin concerto has a quiet & mysterious element, while the last movement of the Glazunov is full of energy.

However, Heifetz's rendition of Bach's Chaconne is different than most. For those who enjoy a more traditional interpretation, I would go with Nathan Milstein's version.

This is Great stuff.......2005-03-27

That Jascha Heifetz was a great violinist, no one can quibble;
but if you want only one version of the Tchaikovsky violin concerto it has to be Isaac Stern's for perfection. It must be said, though, that Heifetz and Ricci play a much more difficult version of this concerto than does Stern. Stern's score has more cuts. If you've got enough money to get Heifetz' complete discography, do so. If you want only one disk of the Tchaikovsky, it has to be Isaac's. Nobody did it better. You can get the other Heifetz tracks on other compilations. I would recommend owning both the Heifetz and the Stern recordings because the versions are so different, and Heifetz shows you in this recording the
phenomenal technique he possessed that was made the standard of all violinists after him. You can also see Heifetz perform this
concerto (excerpts) in the video 'Carnegie Hall'. The man was simply astounding.

Long review, but please read........2005-02-16

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.

ok for bargin.......2003-09-20

This two cd set is a good bargin for $16. It has good song selection including the chaconne by Bach, Concerto in D major by Brahms and Tchaikovsky, etc..

The remastering of the concerto's by brahms and tchaikovsky were not as good as what I had expected. If you are only looking for these two concertos, you may want to try the "living stero" version. The Scottish fantasy, chaconne, and sibelius in this recording sounds better than the brahms and tchaikovsky.

Overall, this is not the best cd for serious collections, but a good deal for those who want lots of songs for a bargain price.

Heifetz shows his supremacy.......2003-07-19

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.

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