Search - Max Bruch, Henri Vieuxtemps, Malcolm Sargent :: Heifetz plays Bruch & Vieuxtemps [Hybrid SACD]

Four and one-half stars

Larry VanDeSande | Mason, Michigan United States | 05/18/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Here is another successful SACD reincarnation of Romantic era music by Jascha Heifitz, who was probably the most accomplished violinist of the 20th century and the stereo recording era. These recordings, made in 1961-62 for RCA, are substantially improved in this issue even though it in only a two-track stereo super audio disk.



I own these exact recordings on a Japanese issue stereo CD (see my Amazon review) where I detail the outstanding musical content including the ultra-reliable and superb accompniment given the soloist by conductor Malcolm Sargent and the (then) New Symphony Orchestra of London.



Musically, what is most impressive on this CD is Heifitz's commitment to Bruch's oddball creation, the Scottish Fantasy, and his personal involvement in the music. Heifitz was often considered a machine in his prime, which coincided with the 20th century burgeoning of the era of literalism in classical music and recordings. Everyone admired Heifitz technical skill, which was one of a kind, but many questioned his blood and guts involvement with music.



I saw and heard Heifitz in concert once near the end of his career. He seems totally disinterested although his technique and searing tone were just as riveting as ever. In the Scottish Fantasy on this disk, he seems a different person, totally immersed in the wonders of the strange score, which appears to be a concerto but is a hybrid not easily defined. His artistry here is unparalleled and it is not far different in Bruch's Violin Concerto No. 1.



Heifitz is not as personally invovled in the Vieuxtemps masterpiece, although Sargent shines as the accompanist more than in the others. While Heifitz lacks the same fire as in the Bruch, listen to the way Sargent drives the orchestra during the long tutti late in the first movement between Heifitz soloes.



The reason I gave this 4 1/2 stars instead of five is the sound quality on the Vieuxtemps, which is a notch below that in the two Bruch works. It is still good for a 1962 recording transferred to SACD but, considering it is stereo and not three channel, it remains a bit of a disappointment.



Elsewhere the sound is spectacular and allows many felicitous touches of the score to be heard clearly that weren't apparent in the stereo version. Listen for gentle timpani strokes during the slow movement of the Bruch concerto, a gentle cimbal crash during the open of the Scottish Fantasy, and Heifitz thumping his bow at the end of the allegro.



In addition, the sound stage for both Bruch works is very open, spacious and natural with Heifitz clearly defined off the conductor's right shoulder. The perspective is on stage, even better than first row, without being in your face or larger than life.



Good notes about the music, Heifitz the man, the history of RCA Living Stereo and the SACD process liven this package and make it even more desirable. This is an excellent reissue of romantic warhorses by one of the world's most accomplished soloists, supported by a reliable conductor and orchestra in sound that is nearly competitive with original DSD recordings from 2006. For its list price of $11, this is outstanding value."

Some of Heifetz's best, in state-of-the-art sound

klavierspiel | TX, USA | 01/18/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This hybrid SACD release couples the Vieuxtemps No. 5 and Bruch Scottish Fantasy performances, originally released on one LP, with a recording of the Bruch No. 1 done with the same forces. Heifetz's blazing technique and intense vibrato often seemed best to serve what in other hands could be second-rate music; in the Bruch works especially he brings to urgent, passionate life passages that can easily sound slack and sentimental. The Scottish Fantasy was a signature work of the violinist, and Malcolm Sargent and the then-New Symphony Orchestra of London match him in intensity and accuracy of execution (though the finale is shortened substantially in accordance with Heifetz's preferred version). The Vieuxtemps seems marginally less involved emotionally, but if anything the execution is even more accurate--the thorniest passages have not one note out of place. This is a great way to introduce a new generation of listeners to the art of this ageless legend, especially at a bargain price."

A great introduction to a legend

Jeffrey M. Wagner | Corvallis Oregon | 10/24/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is one of my first Heifetz cds and one of the favorties in my collection. The orchestra plays exceptionally well and gives the Bruch VC a driven pace that compliments Heifetz's style. Like a well made movie thriller Heifetz builds suspense and tension in all the right places.

The Scottish Fantasy is a real gem. Played with feeling and flare and perfect tone. It is no wonder why Heifetz is considered one of the best that ever held a bow.

The recording is also fantastic for it's time. I did not listen to the SACD tracks but the redbook material is of good quality."