Jascha Heifetz, one of the most celebrated violinists of all time, presents a captivating collection of encores in "Heifetz: Encores, Vol. 1." Recorded between 1946 and 1956, this album is a testament to Heifetz's virtuosity and musical prowess, showcasing his ability to breathe new life into a diverse range of compositions. The album spans a variety of genres and styles, from classical to chamber music, and includes arrangements by Heifetz himself, as well as other notable arrangers like Fritz Kreisler and Jacques Thibaud.
The tracklist is a delightful mix of well-known pieces and hidden gems, including Hungarian Dances by Johannes Brahms, Caprices by Paganini, and selections from Rachmaninoff's Études-tableaux. Heifetz's interpretations are marked by their technical precision, expressive depth, and unique artistic vision. Each piece is a showcase of Heifetz's extraordinary talent, demonstrating his ability to convey a wide range of emotions and moods through his playing.
The album also features several arrangements of popular songs and dances, such as "La chevelure" from Debussy's 3 Chansons de Bilitis and "Danse orientale" from Rimsky-Korsakov's 2 Pieces, Op. 2. These arrangements highlight Heifetz's versatility and his ability to adapt to different musical styles. The album also includes a number of pieces that were originally written for other instruments, such as the piano, but have been skillfully arranged for violin and piano by Heifetz and other arrangers.
"Heifetz: Encores, Vol. 1" is a must-listen for any classical music enthusiast, offering a unique insight into the mind of one of the greatest violinists of the 20th century. The album's diverse tracklist and Heifetz's masterful playing make it a timeless addition to any music collection. Whether you're a longtime fan of Heifetz or a newcomer to his music, this album is sure to captivate and inspire.
2013 Naxos2013 Naxos
Tracks
21 Hungarian Dances, WoO 1: No. 11 in D MinorJohannes Brahms, Jascha Heifetz, Brooks Smith
21 Hungarian Dances, WoO 1: No. 17 in F-Sharp Minor (Arr. F. Kreisler for violin and piano)Johannes Brahms, Jascha Heifetz, Brooks Smith
21 Hungarian Dances, WoO 1: No. 20 in D MinorJohannes Brahms, Jascha Heifetz, Brooks Smith
A Song Sonata: II. BelligerentRobert Russell Bennett, Jascha Heifetz, Brooks Smith
A Song Sonata: III. Slow and lonelyRobert Russell Bennett, Jascha Heifetz, Brooks Smith
A Song Sonata: IV. Madly DancingRobert Russell Bennett, Jascha Heifetz, Brooks Smith
Suite Based on American Folk Songs: IV. Cod Liver 'IleAlan Shulman, Jascha Heifetz, Brooks Smith
Gayane, Act III: Sabre Dance (Arr. J. Heifetz for violin and piano)Aram Khachaturian, Jascha Heifetz, Brooks Smith
24 Caprices, Op. 1, MS 25: No. 13 in B-Flat Major: Allegro - Minore - Allegro (Arr. F. Kreisler for violin and piano)Niccolò Paganini, Jascha Heifetz, Brooks Smith
24 Caprices, Op. 1, MS 25: No. 20 in D Major: Allegretto - Minore - Allegretto (Arr. F. Kreisler for violin and piano)Niccolò Paganini, Jascha Heifetz, Brooks Smith
2 Pieces, Op. 24: No. 2, Serenata napoletana (Version for violin and piano)Giovanni Sgambati, Jascha Heifetz, Brooks Smith
Vocalise-étude en forme de habanera, M. 51: Banjo and Fiddle (Version for Violin & Piano)William Kroll, Jascha Heifetz, Emmanuel Bay
The Firebird: Berceuse (Arr. S. Dushkin for violin and piano)Igor Stravinsky, Jascha Heifetz, Emmanuel Bay
Sonatine: II. Mouvement de Menuet (Arr. L. Roques for violin and piano)Maurice Ravel, Jascha Heifetz, Emmanuel Bay
3 Fantastic Dances, Op. 5: No. 2, Waltz (Arr. H. Glickman for violin and piano)Dmitri Shostakovich, Jascha Heifetz, Emmanuel Bay
Préludes, Book 1: Preludes, Book 1: No. 8, La fille aux cheveux de lin (the Girl with the Flaxen Hair) [arr. A. Hartmann for violin and piano]Claude Debussy, Jascha Heifetz, Emmanuel Bay
Hora staccato (Arr. J. Heifetz for violin and piano)Grigoras Dinicu, Jascha Heifetz, Emmanuel Bay
4 Pieces, Op. 32, No. 3. Gavotte: 4 Pieces, Op. 32: No. 3, Gavotte (Arr. J. Heifetz for violin and piano)Sergei Prokofiev, Jascha Heifetz, Emmanuel Bay
10 Pieces, Op. 12, No. 1. Marche: 10 Pieces, Op. 12: No. 1, Marche (Arr. J. Heifetz for violin and piano)Sergei Prokofiev, Jascha Heifetz, Emmanuel Bay
Études-tableaux in A Minor, Op. 39, No. 2. Lento assai: Etudes-tableaux, Op. 39: No. 2 in A Minor: Lento assai (Arr. J. Heifetz for violin and piano)Sergei Rachmaninoff, Jascha Heifetz, Emmanuel Bay
6 Songs, Op. 38, No. 3. Margaritki (Daisies): 6 Songs, Op. 38: No. 3, Margaritki [Daisies] [arr. J. Heifetz for violin and piano]Sergei Rachmaninoff, Jascha Heifetz, Emmanuel Bay
2 Pieces, Op. 2, No. 2. Danse orientale: 2 Pieces, Op. 2: No. 2, Danse orientale (Arr. J. Heifetz for violin and piano)Sergei Rachmaninoff, Jascha Heifetz, Emmanuel Bay
Sea Murmurs: 33 Shakespeare Songs, Op. 24: Vol. 8, No. 3, Two Maids Wooing a Man, "Tango" (Arr. J. Heifetz for violin and piano)Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco, Jascha Heifetz, Emmanuel Bay
Valses nobles et sentimentales: VI. Vif (Arr. J. Heifetz for violin and piano)Maurice Ravel, Jascha Heifetz, Emmanuel Bay
Valses nobles et sentimentales: VII. Moins vif (Arr. J. Heifetz for violin and piano)Maurice Ravel, Jascha Heifetz, Emmanuel Bay
2 Fairy Tales, Op. 20: No. 1, Allegro con espressione (Arr. J. Heifetz for violin and piano)Nikolai Medtner, Jascha Heifetz, Emmanuel Bay
3 Chansons de Bilitis: No. 2, La chevelure (Arr. For violin and piano)Claude Debussy, Jascha Heifetz, Emmanuel Bay
El amor brujo (Love, the Magician): Pantomima [Pantomime] [arr. P. Kochanski for violin and piano]Manuel de Falla, Jascha Heifetz, Emmanuel Bay