Jascha Heifetz: The Supreme

Johann Sebastian Bach (Composer), Johannes Brahms (Composer), Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky (Composer), Max Bruch (Composer), Jean Sibelius (Composer), Alexander Glazunov (Composer), George Gershwin (Composer), Fritz Reiner (Conductor), Malcolm Sargent (Conductor), Walter Hendl (Conductor), Chicago Symphony Orchestra (Orchestra), New Symphony Orchestra of London (Orchestra), RCA Victor Orchestra (Orchestra), RCA Victor Symphony Orchestra (Orchestra), Brooks Smith (Performer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Performer: Brooks Smith
• Orchestra: Chicago Symphony Orchestra, New Symphony Orchestra of London, RCA Victor Orchestra, RCA Victor Symphony Orchestra
• Conductor: Fritz Reiner, Malcolm Sargent, Walter Hendl
• Composer: Johann Sebastian Bach, Johannes Brahms, Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky, Max Bruch, Jean Sibelius, et al.
• Audio CD (February 8, 2000)
• Number of Discs: 2
• Label: RCA
• ASIN: B00003CWJU
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #61,596 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

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

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

42 of 42 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A bargain to top most bargains, February 13, 2000

By 

F. Behrens "Frank Behrens" (Keene, NH USA) - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Jascha Heifetz: The Supreme (Audio CD)

If ever there was a Grabbit, this one is it. The recent RCA Victor release <Jascha Heifitz, the Supreme> (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!

25 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Collection shows the many abilities of Heifetz, July 1, 2002

By 

"nderrick" (Holland, Michigan United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Jascha Heifetz: The Supreme (Audio CD)

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.

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Long review, but please read., February 15, 2005

By 

Sam (California, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Jascha Heifetz: The Supreme (Audio CD)

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.