Search - Johann Sebastian Bach, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Johannes Brahms :: Heifetz: Double Concertos

Four masters playing three masterpieces

F. Behrens | Keene, NH USA | 01/25/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Here is a magnificent album from RCA Victor. (09026-63531-2) re-releases three "Living Stereo" recordings of Jascha Heifetz playing with three other stars of the strings in a generous program of a Baroque, a Classical, and a Romantic concerto for two players. He is joined by Erick Friedman in Bach's "Concerto in D minor for Two Violins" (New Symphony Orchestra of London, Sir Malcolm Sargeant cond.), by William Primrose (viola) in Mozart's "Sinfonia Concertante in E flat, K. 364 (RCA Victor Symphony Orchestra, Izler Solomon, cond.), and by Gregor Piatigorsky in Brahms' "Concerto in A minor for Violin and Cello" (RCA Victor Sym. Orch., Alfred Wallenstein, cond.) A British critic praised the teamwork between the soloists and conductor in the Brahms when that LP first appeared and noted the brisk tempos. While some might prefer the more leisurely approach of other recordings, nothing can detract from this one which seems just right on its own terms. The recording dates are 1956, 1960, 1961 respectively and the sound was top of the line for that period. Obviously you are going to purchase this for the playing of the four soloists. There are many rival recordings of each of these pieces, but I doubt very much if you will find all three together and so masterfully played. By the same token, the inclusion of a double concerto from each of the three musical eras makes this a valuable teaching aid to boot."

Heifetz at his Best!!!!!

Thomas Philips | Fairfield, CT USA | 12/19/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This CD is one to cherish, not just because it is Heifetz. But because it is music. I love the Vivace in the first movement of the Bach double concerto. I have never heard anyone do it at such a brisk pace. Most recordings of it sound dull and boring. This one is breathing life in every note. Heifetz's ability to collaborate with others has always been a problem, but is not very noticeable here. In the Bach Double Concerto, he colaborates with Erick Friedman, a former pupil of his. The sounds of the two violins complement each other so well, you can sometimes forget who is playing what part!! In the Brahms Double concerto for violin and cello, you notice that he and Piatgorsky are completely in sync for the octaves in the beginning of the piece. It is heavenly. The Mozart Sinfonia Concertante was a delight to listen to. It is one of the few classical pieces you will find that use scordatura, which is the changing of the tuning of the strings. Mozart loved the viola, and the music here is exquisitely written for viola. Since the music is basically echoed by the violin an octave higher, you can also say that it is exquisitely written for violin. If you are pondering which Heifetz CD to buy, BUY THIS ONE!!!!!!!!!"

Riveting

rambutan | Singapore | 02/16/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Double Bach is simply heavenly. I listened to the Grumaiux-Krebbers and Oistrach father and son versions. The Heifetz-Friedman is still my top choice - the duo make the music sing out its yearning romanticism. Sound is superb too."