Customer Reviews

Brahms & Tchaikovsky: Violin Concertos

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This is absolutely a desert island disc. Reiner might be the most under-rated conductor of his generation, and his conception of the great sweep of the Brahms concerto is unparalleled. And Heifetz? He's probably the greatest virtuoso of the recording era. His playing on the Tchaikovsky is other-worldy. It's almost impossible to believe that a human can play with such utter facility. The recording sound is excellent, with Heifetz way, way forward. Here are two of the Big Six concerti on the same disc by the greatest fiddler we've evr heard. A no-brainer. Buy it.

Amazing. As a violinst, when I listen to this CD I am amazed every time at the skill of the master Heifetz. Some say he is cold. This is a lie. This rumor started among those who were hurt By Heifetz's sucess. People said that he was cold because he didn't move on stage, and that he didn't alter the tempo during play. Those who started that rumor were looking at it the wrong way. If they would have just closed their eyes and listened, they would have heard the warm tones, stunning emotion and incredible virtosity of Heifetz. Anyone who says the tempo is too fast must be too slow a thinker, because any lesser tempo would defeat the pourpose of the pieces. A Concerto is written to show off the ability of the violinst, so the faster the tempo the better. By generating that warm passion at that tempo shows how Heifetz was a leauge above everyone else. If only he and paganini could have competed, it would have been close.

In living stereo this CD is the best recording of two amazing concertos

Buy it, any onther CD is a waste of money

Although my favorite recording of Tchaikovsky's violin concerto is David Oistrakh with Ormandy, Heifetz's superhuman technique is something marvelous to behold. Besides that, Heifetz adds a few embellishments of his own to the first movement, so that for those who like to compare different performances, this one will be pleasantly surprising.

Heifetz's performance of Brahms concerto is, likewise, consummate. However, I have heard some violinists legitimately complain about the speed with which Mr. Heifetz plays; it doesn't feel entirely appropriate to the first movement of Brahms. On the other hand, one could find it refreshing and full of momentum. Heifetz isn't mechanical, certainly, and the Brahms second movement and third movements should amply prove that assertion.

This recording of the Tchaikovsky and Brahms are unsurpassed in my opinion. The Brahms played by Heifetz is absolutely energetic, vibrant, and warm. The Tchaikovsky is special, cause it sounds better with the Auer version and Heifetz's extra alterations in the first movement which gives the piece a flow which never looses energy when Heifetz plays. This is an absolutely must have record. I have treasured this record along with many other Heifetz records for many years.

I purchased this CD to add these concerti to my collection and I definetely got my money's worth! A 16 year old violinist myself, I was amazed at the brilliant techneque Jascha Hefietz brought to this recording. I thought the orchestra was especially fiery and brilliant, (especially on the third movement or the Tchiak.) a perfect match for Hefietz's amazing playing. If you're looking for the best of these concerti, this CD is it. SIMPLY PERFECT!!!

Very often CD listeners take for granted what they hear from the CD IS the artist himself. But according to Perlman, Heifetz had "a peculiar fondness of having the mirophone quite close to the violin so that we have alot of the "Zs" sound and the most illuminating and colourful sound one heard from the hall is lost". And even Menuhin admitted that Heifetz was very colourful (only next to Enescu-- who was quite beyond the norm.)

In a way, it appears that Heifetz's playing is not as heartfelt as Menuhin or Thibaud. But his appeal or heat if you like, could be seen from his overall consistent command and control of the whole piece. He is so expressive here ( and in fact everywhere he played) and there is so much drama here. Above all, here we see a rare sense of beauty, plus a subtle understanding of all the ups and downs of life in his playing that is rare among musicians, something which transcended him from a musician to that of an artist. Feuermann and Kreisler or Thibaud, each in a different way, were close.

This CD doesn't sound as good as the LP but we have the support of a most wonderful conductor. In case you're not happy with this CD, sound-wise or interpretation-wise , then most probably you shouldn't bother yourself with his Beethoven or Mendelssohn.

This recording features two legends who give a legendary(and unmatched)performance. All other recordings fall short. Heifetz is typical: driven, disciplined, and technically brilliant. Reiner is the ideal conductor for Heifetz as he gives him the perfect tempi to work with and has the Chicago Symphony perform with alertness and razor sharp precision. In a nutshell, the performer, the conductor, and the orchestra all operate like clockwork. These recordings are about as close to perfection as we will ever hear.

Electrifying performance! A must for any serious classical collector

No one has ever performed this Tchaikowsky concerto better than Heifetz. The most romantic, lyrical playing ever. His intonation is second to non. It is known that his personality was difficult at times. ALL is forgiven to a man who plays like a superman! I could not recommend this recording more to anyone who loves Tchaikowsky. As for the Brahms, it is almost as strong, but I have a little bit of a problem with the tempos. Nevertheless, it is a great performance.

I absouletely love this CD. This is a moving and powerful preformance of some of the greatest violin concerti ever. It is just superb.