Composer: Jascha Heifetz
Works: Edvard Grieg – Violin Sonata No. 3, Johannes Brahms – Violin Sonata No. 1, Henri Wieniawski – Etude Op. 10 No. 5, Caprice alla saltarella (arr. Kreisler), Piotr I. Tchaikovsky – Lensky’s Aria from Eugene Onegin (arr. Auer), Jean-Philippe Rameau – Tambourin (arr. Achron), J.S. Bach – Sicilienne from Flute Sonata BWV 1031 (arr. Auer), Jose Padilla – Valencia, Pablo de Sarasate – Zapateado
Performers: Jascha Heifetz, violin; Emanuel Bay, piano (Grieg and Brahms); Isidor Achron, piano (Wieniawski, Rameau, Bach, Padilla, Sarasate); Samuel Chotzinoff, piano (Tchaikovsky)
Recording: RCA Victor 09026 63907-2 [65’38]
Label: RCA
Jascha Heifetz remains an iconic figure in the pantheon of violin performance, celebrated for his technical mastery and expressive depth. The recent release of “Heifetz Rediscovered” presents a fascinating mosaic of his artistry, featuring recordings from 1922 to 1936. In this collection, two major Romantic sonatas by Grieg and Brahms take center stage, alongside a selection of lesser-known but equally captivating pieces. These recordings not only illuminate Heifetz’s capabilities as a violinist but also showcase his interpretive choices within the historical context of the early 20th century.
The Grieg Sonata No. 3, recorded in February 1936, opens the disc with an electrifying fervor. Heifetz’s vibrato is a defining characteristic, tightly coiled and imbued with emotional intensity. The interpretation is marked by a relentless forward momentum, particularly evident in the first movement where he navigates the intricate passages with a blend of precision and passion. However, the partnership with Emanuel Bay reveals a disparity in interpretative depth; Bay’s accompaniment often feels overshadowed by Heifetz’s fiery presence. While Heifetz’s technical prowess is unquestionable, there are moments, such as the abrupt diminuendo at 6’17”, that suggest a calculated approach that may detract from the spontaneous expressiveness one might expect from a Romantic performance.
Transitioning to the Brahms Sonata No. 1, the contrast in emotional landscape becomes immediately apparent. Here, Heifetz adopts a more lyrical line, showcasing his ability to weave rich tonal colors through the fabric of Brahms’ complex harmonies. The balance issues persist, as Bay’s contributions often feel muted in comparison to Heifetz’s commanding presence, particularly in the second movement where the pianist’s heavy-handedness detracts from the dialogue between the instruments. Nonetheless, Heifetz’s inflections and slides reveal a deep understanding of the work’s emotional core, though the occasional smeary slide in the finale suggests a complexity that challenges technical perfection.
The collection also features a series of shorter works, including Wieniawski’s Etude and Rameau’s Tambourin, where Heifetz’s virtuosity shines unfettered. The Wieniawski is delivered with a lightness that belies its technical demands, while the Auer arrangement of Lensky’s Aria is infused with an exquisite shading that highlights Heifetz’s ability to blend lyricism with dramatic intensity. The acoustic recordings, particularly the Bach Sicilienne and Sarasate’s Zapateado, benefit from a clarity of sound that captures the nuances of Heifetz’s playing. The engineering quality is commendable, allowing the listener to appreciate the subtleties of bowing and tonal color, although some moments of poor intonation in Rameau’s Tambourin momentarily disrupt the flow.
A notable highlight is the inclusion of “Valencia,” showcasing Heifetz as a pianist alongside Isidor Achron. This intimate performance offers a glimpse into Heifetz’s multifaceted musicianship and provides a refreshing contrast to the more familiar violin repertoire.
This release is an indispensable addition to the Heifetz discography, providing both historical insight and artistic pleasure. The combination of newly unearthed material and well-curated selections creates a compelling narrative of Heifetz’s legacy. While some interpretive choices may raise questions, the sheer brilliance of his musicianship and the historical significance of these recordings affirm their value. The drama and excitement encapsulated in this collection reaffirm Heifetz’s status as one of the preeminent violinists of the 20th century, making “Heifetz Rediscovered” a treasure for both scholars and admirers alike.
