Symphonie espagnole, for violin and orchestra in D minor, Op. 21: Allegro non troppo
Symphonie espagnole, for violin and orchestra in D minor, Op. 21: Scherzando: Allegro molto
Symphonie espagnole, for violin and orchestra in D minor, Op. 21: Andante
Symphonie espagnole, for violin and orchestra in D minor, Op. 21: Rondo: Allegro
Havanaise, in E major for violin & piano (or orchestra), Op. 83: Allegretto e lusinghiero
Havanaise, in E major for violin & piano (or orchestra), Op. 83: Allegro
Havanaise, in E major for violin & piano (or orchestra), Op. 83: Allegro ma non troppo
Zigeunerweisen, for violin & piano (or orchestra) ('Gypsy Airs'), Op. 20: Moderato
Zigeunerweisen, for violin & piano (or orchestra) ('Gypsy Airs'), Op. 20: Lento
Zigeunerweisen, for violin & piano (or orchestra) ('Gypsy Airs'), Op. 20: Un poco più lento
Zigeunerweisen, for violin & piano (or orchestra) ('Gypsy Airs'), Op. 20: Allegro molto vivace
Poème, for violin & orchestra, Op. 25
Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso, for violin & orchestra in A minor, Op. 28: Andante
Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso, for violin & orchestra in A minor, Op. 28: Allegro ma non troppo
Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso, for violin & orchestra in A minor, Op. 28: Più allegro
Lalo's Symphonie Espagnole is a riot of instrumental color and virtuoso challenges; exactly Jascha Heifetz's piece of cake, as are Saint-Saëns's Havanaise, Chausson's Poème and Sarasate's Zigeunerweise (Gypsy Tun... more »es). The sound is pre-stereo but well detailed. One movement of the Lalo is left out, but there are plenty of fireworks in the four that remain. --Joe McLellan« less
Lalo's Symphonie Espagnole is a riot of instrumental color and virtuoso challenges; exactly Jascha Heifetz's piece of cake, as are Saint-Saëns's Havanaise, Chausson's Poème and Sarasate's Zigeunerweise (Gypsy Tunes). The sound is pre-stereo but well detailed. One movement of the Lalo is left out, but there are plenty of fireworks in the four that remain. --Joe McLellan
CD Reviews
Heifetz Showpieces
rjm26 | USA | 05/28/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"A dazzling display of violinistic fireworks tempered with heart and soul. Every note is played with meaning and conviction. The myriad tone colors Heifetz paints with his bow are unmatched by any other violinist whose recordings of these pieces I've heard. The searing intensity and heartfelt passion of the Chausson Poeme will leave you emotionally exhausted! The performance of Zigeunerweisen has all the elan and sparkle one could hope for and the Havanaise is played with arresting beauty of tone and perfection of technique. The longest work on this CD, Lalo's Symphonie Espagnole, is played from beginning to end with Spanish flare and fire and never sounds repetitive or insipid. The four movements recorded hear possess charm and vigor in every phrase. The music flows effortlessly - one knows one is in the presence of genius. One of the very best CD's of violin music available!"
Simply the Best!
rjm26 | 08/25/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"In my opinion, nobody plays these pieces better than Heifetz. Yes, there are different approaches to these pieces, as shown by Grumiaux, Thibaud and Szeryng (whom I have high regards) but on the whole Heifetz outplay them all. His sense of style, control and utmost elegance just incredible. They are recorded before stereo era, but sound is quite acceptable. And who cares about the recording quality if the performances are at this divine level anyway? Strongly recommended to anyone who loves great violin playing."
Heifetz is IT!
richard_best | Oberlin, OH USA | 05/31/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"When it comes to Tchaikowsky, Mendelssohn, Lalo, Kreisler, and ANY kind of show piece, no one can touch Heifetz. Non of the violinists alive today can ever come close to his level of musical personality, command of his instrument and sound. He is the father of all violin virtuoso, together with Paganini himself, perhaps. My only negative comment is regarding the restoration sound of the CD, it is alright, but could be better."
Review of Heifetz Showpieces, RCA Victor Red Seal
mhopkins38 | Oxford, England | 11/29/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is a CD for those who really love the violin. The music is for those who want to be stunned and transfixed by an unmatched virtuosic fluency and sweet ethereal beauty. Sarasate's Sigeunerwiesen is so powerful: the slow movement brought tears to my eyes: such was the emotional content and tender sense enthusing this. The other pieces on the CD are no less remarkable in exquisite quality and accuracy."
Easily the most popular of Heifetz Albums
C. Chu | 01/17/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"A set of sure audience grabbers. The pieces on this album are popular choices to showcase Heifetz's great technique and talent. The remarkable finger-work, haunting lyrical style of the Spanish/gypsy genre, and the fireworks of the fast pieces are sure to please the music lover of all ages."
Track Listings (15) - Disc #1