Heifetz Showpieces Reviews



Amazon.com Customer Reviews

Heifetz is IT! - Review written on May 31, 2004
* * * * *
Rating: 5 out of 5
10 customers found this review helpful.

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.
Easily the most popular of Heifetz Albums - Review written on January 17, 2004
* * * * *
Rating: 5 out of 5
7 customers found this review helpful.

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.
my favorite violinist - Review written on November 22, 2003
* *
Rating: 2 out of 5
4 customers found this review helpful, 25 did not.

For Jasha Heifetz,He is always my favorite violinist.His state of the art in violin play makes listener deep inspire.Especially Zigeuneweissen of Plabo de Sarasate.
Review of Heifetz Showpieces, RCA Victor Red Seal - Review written on November 29, 2002
* * * * *
Rating: 5 out of 5
8 customers found this review helpful.

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.
music for all listeners - Review written on June 29, 2002
* * * * *
Rating: 5 out of 5
4 customers found this review helpful.

Not only could a violinist appreciate this set, but any listener to romantic period music. Besides the mono recording, this CD belongs in everyones library.
Heifetz Showpieces - Review written on May 28, 2000
* * * * *
Rating: 5 out of 5
15 customers found this review helpful.

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! - Review written on August 25, 1999
* * * * *
Rating: 5 out of 5
14 customers found this review helpful.

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.