Bruch: Violin Concerto No. 1; Scottish Fantasy / Vieuxtemps: Violin Concerto No. 5

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.

Heifetz is impressive in all three works presented here, but the Scottish Fantasy is the highlight and probably my all-time favorite Heifetz recording.Certainly he has recorded other pieces of music which are much greater--you just don't realize it while he is playing the Fantasy.Perhaps they should have put on the cover of the album when originally issued, "Heifetz emotes!" for it is this performance which is oftencited to rebut the claim that he was a technically perfect, but emotionally cold violinist. By comparison, the other fare included on this CD, Bruch's G Minor concerto and especially the Vieuxtemps Concerto No. 5 are pedestrian fare indeed. Still, both are played with the customary Heifetz excellence, even if they do not emit the emotional sparks of the Fantasy. The sound is fine in the standard CD version on this hybrid SACD. I cannot comment on the SACD portion of the disc as I am still looking for an SACD player, which are no longer as plentiful on the market as they used to be. But this disc and others by Heifetz would be reason enough to acquire one, judging by the excellence of the CD versions included on some of these hybrid SACD's. This disc is highly recommended.

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.

This is an infectious piece of music. The more you listen, the more you want to listen. And how wonderful it is to be able to hear Heifetz do this piece on a vintage recording.

This is the 3rd copy I have of this and it still overwhelms me for beauty and Jascha Heifetz at his best.

good quality.

LEGENDARY

Superb

This disc combines recordings made in 1961-2. These famous recordings are ones that I have had in my collection for years but in their previous formats. Having tested the 'Spain' disc and being much impressed I have moved on to the Heifetz recordings.So far I have heard two such discs and in case the improvement is marked with greater internal definition within the orchestra and with better balance between the soloist and the orchestra. There is also a greater sonic depth from front to back and the whole tonal range is far fuller.The performances themselves are, of course, so well known and famously so, that further comment on that score is hardly necessary. However I will comment that these are among the finest performances ever recorded of these works. Furthermore, any suggestion that Heifetz could be thought of as on the 'cool' side as has been remarked in the past, can now be refuted by these altogether warmer re-masterings which, I am sure, are not artificially enhanced but instead, tell the truth.In conclusion, I would strongly suggest that these SACD versions are superior to the previous versions and are well worth the price of upgrading. This is not something I would normally do myself so that makes this a particularly strong comment. Newcomers to these discs will simply be amazed at what the engineers could manage so many years ago. Fewer microphones placed accurately coupled with longer recorded 'takes' have a musical result hard to match with modern sophistications.

Superb, overwhelming playing from Heifetz backed up by full-blooded orchestral splendour from New Symphony Orchestra of London under an inspired Sir Malcolm Sargent. The Bruch works are well known and delightful; the Vieuxtemps is no masterpiece but Heifetz and Sargent elevate it to a very acceptable level. The 1961 sound has been splendidly remastered to provide a rich sound. This disc is an absolute winner.

I wonder why the best classical recordings you can listen to were made in the late 50s, early 60s! Have we learned nothing since then? The presence, clarity and transparence of the sound allows the listener to follow any instrument or melodic line he wants, when using a good player. The "Living Stereo" series is legendary and I still own a few of these recs in the original LPs. Most of these recordings can beat hands down anything else. I'm glad they decided to reisue them in SACDs. This particular recording of Bruchs first may not be the best of the series but is nevertheless remarkable. Concerning the interpretion, Heifetz is Heifetz, Malcolm Sargent is himself and nothing remains to be said. Very,very good.

I've already said it twice, and will say it yet again. An undoubted genius.

Fast service great music.