Heifetz Concert Encores (rec. New York City, 1945) - Decca DL 8521 - magical

$

60

redgarnett Store ITEM DESCRIPTION:

This handsome and rather elusive LP from American Decca (DL 8521, US pressing, gold label, heavy flat vinyl, mono – no stereo edition exists) entitled "Heifetz Concert Encores" features the great violinist in 12 bewitching performances, 10 of them works arranged by Heifetz himself.

Once trying to describe the impact of Heifetz’s playing on succeeding generations of violinsts, Itzakh Perlman described the great Russian virtuoso as forming the ‘inner ear’ of every violinist who followed him, and these performances perfectly illustrate why, diamond bright, immaculate, with an assuredness that strains credibility, his unmistakable tone, phrasing, and technical address unforgettable in its sheer musicality.

Incidentally, the piano accompaniments for these transcriptions were penned by Heifetz himself who was not only the most brilliant of violinists, but also a highly accomplished pianist (like Kreisler before him, and Grumiaux after him). He is accompanied by Emanuel Bay.*

The exact contents are as follows. Unless otherwise noted, all arrangements are by Heifetz.

*Note: Although the album credits Emanuel Bay as accompanist throughout, I believe the pianist in the two Foster arrangments is actually Milton Kaye. All 12 works were recorded at the World Broadcasting Decca Studios, New York City, during 28 to 30 November 1945.

1) Peter I. Tchaikovsky: Melodie in E-flat Major, No. 3 from Souvenir d'un lieu cher Op. 42

2) Frédéric Chopin: Nocturne in E-flat Major Op. 55 No. 2

3) Robert Schumann: Vogel als Prophet ("Prophetic Bird"), No. 7 from Waldszenen Op. 82

4) Stephen Foster: I Dream of Jeanie with the Light Brown Hair

5) Alexander Krein: Dance No. 4

6) Stephen Foster: Old Folks at Home

7) Sergei Prokofiev: March, No. 1 from The Love for Three Oranges Op. 33b

8) Flausino R. de Vale: "Ao pé da fogueira" · Preludio XV

9) Camille Saint-Saëns: The Swan, No. 13 from Carnival of the Animals

10) Julián Aguirre: Huella, Canción Argentina Op. 49

11) Kurt Weill (arr. Stefan Frenkel): Die Moritat von Mackie Messer ("Mack the knife") · Moderato assai, from "The Three-Penny Opera"

12) Edwin Grasse: Wellenspiel ("Waves at Play")

In reviewing RCA’s “Heifetz Collection” box CD set, The Gramophone’s critic wrote in his/her review for the November 1994 issue:

“One of the great things about Jascha Heifetz," said violinist Aaron Rosand in a recent interview, "... is that, musically speaking, he always got straight to the point." Quite so. And with that pertinent remark very much in mind, let me first of all put my own critical cards on the table: Jascha Heifetz was, for me and for most violinists I've spoken to, the greatest twentieth-century exponent of his instrument. In saying that, I don't necessarily mean, 'the greatest violin-playing musician' (Busch, Szigeti and Huberman are prime contenders for that particular accolade) or even 'the most lustrous-sounding violinist' ( where Kreisler and Elman could perhaps take equal laurels). Heifetz represented a potent manifestation of musical integrity combined with tonal and intonational purity, technical discipline, virtuosity and intellectual honesty. And yes, he did invariably 'get straight to the point', whether in unaccompanied Bach,...or in the countless miniatures that he infused with a wealth of wit and feeling, making Kurt Weill dance, Gershwin sing and Cyril Scott lose himself in nostalgic reverie.”

The striking cover art was designed by Nick Nitsche. There are informative liner notes on the reverse side of the jacket by Louis Untermeyer.

CONDITION – PLEASE READ VERY CAREFULLY:

The gradations of condition I use are as follows: MINT, Near-Mint, Excellent, Very Good, Good, Fair, Poor.

The condition of the jacket is VERY GOOD. There is a 2” split to the lower-right corner, as well as light wear and discoloration in general. There is also a small bit of writing to the rear panel. However, the jacket remains solid, bright, and quite striking in appearance – overall, a very good collector's copy.

The condition of the LP itself is EXCELLENT. I believe this copy to have been seldom played and well cared for, but it is a very early 50s pressing and there is some light surface noise and crackles. However, Heifetz playing shines through. However, if you must have flawless or NM surfaces, then please do not buy this LP. Overall, this is an excellent collector's copy.

PLEASE NOTE:
This LP has been carefully cleaned using a VPI cleaning machine. All LPs are provided with a new Nagaoka (or Nagaoka-style) inner sleeve. The images I've provided are of the actual item you are potentially bidding on - these are not stock images or images I've taken from other sites. Bid with confidence!

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