Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of classical chamber music with Jascha Heifetz's "Heifetz: Encores, Vol. 1 (1946-1956)". This captivating collection, released by Naxos in 2013, showcases the virtuosity and artistry of one of the most celebrated violinists of all time. Spanning a duration of 1 hour and 2 minutes, this album is a testament to Heifetz's unparalleled skill and his ability to breathe new life into a diverse range of compositions.
The album features 28 tracks, including iconic pieces such as "21 Hungarian Dances" by Johannes Brahms, "Gayane, Act III: Sabre Dance" by Aram Khachaturian, and "The Firebird: Berceuse" by Igor Stravinsky. Heifetz's arrangements, often in collaboration with other renowned musicians like Fritz Kreisler and Jascha Heifetz himself, highlight his innovative approach to classical music. The pieces are performed with a violin and piano, creating an intimate and dynamic sound that is both powerful and delicate.
Heifetz's interpretations are marked by their technical precision, emotional depth, and unique musicality. Whether he is performing a lively Hungarian Dance or a tender "Vocalise-étude en forme de habanera," Heifetz's playing is always engaging and full of character. The album also includes lesser-known works, such as "3 Fantastic Dances" by Alexander Glazunov and "2 Fairy Tales" by Alexander Gretchaninov, offering a fresh perspective on the classical repertoire.
This album is not just a collection of encores but a journey through the diverse landscapes of classical music. Heifetz's mastery of the violin shines through in every piece, making "Heifetz: Encores, Vol. 1 (1946-1956)" a timeless addition to any classical music enthusiast's collection. Whether you are a long-time fan of Jascha Heifetz or a newcomer to his work, this album promises 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