Rozsa VIOLIN CONCERTO Benjamin ROMANTIC FANTASY Heifetz CLASSIC RECORDS 45 RPM

$

89

Rozsa VIOLIN CONCERTO Benjamin ROMANTIC FANTASY Heifetz CLASSIC RECORDS (Living Stereo series) 45 RPM Audiophile vinyl 4 lp set
This is a special limited edition that features 200g Quiex SV-P pressing of the 45 rpm 4 disc set. Only about 250 copies of this set will ever be available. The 1963 recording features Heifetz performing with the Dallas Symphony under the direction of Walter Hendl. The Rozsa Violin Concerto was written for Heifetz who performs it magnificently and the sonics are also to die for. This set was originally issued with a fifth LP, the 180 gram 33 1/3 conventional profile pressing (not available for this sale).
Out Of Print, Limited Edition 4LP 200gm SV-P One-Sided 45rpm Discs. Heifetz, Hendl, Dallas Symphony Orchestra. Also Features Benjamin's Romantic Fantasy For Violin, Viola & Orchestra With William Primrose. Another fine Pfeiffer / Chase / Heiftez collaboration. Throw in Hendl conducting the Detroit Symphony on the Rozsa Violin Concerto and Izler conducting the RCAVVO on Benjamin's Romantic Fantasy and you've got a winner. This is an original 3-track recording and that is what this LP reissue was mastered from. The result? Not to be missed!

Heifetz Playing the Rozsa Concerto for Violin and Orchestra
(Classic Records LP, LSC-2767)

  Miklos Rozsa is of Hungarian origin, and his music is suitably lyrical and soul-stirring. It's unlike anything else, although portions are somewhat evocative of Prokofiev. Heifetz is in fine form, showing phenomenal technique in which he combines rapid, intricate passages with slower ones of lyricism and beauty. The music flows and carries you along with it, with Heifetz's violin riding atop a solid orchestral foundation. This record demonstrates that not all outstanding Heifetz recordings were done with Reiner and Chicago. This one was done with Walter Hendl and the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, and they acquit themselves admirably. The liner notes quote Rozsa as saying that he was "fortunate to have Heifetz as a guiding spirit," and that the two worked together extensively. Perhaps that is why Heifetz sounds so comfortable with this music, and emotionally warmer than he often is.

Classic Records has done a beautiful job of remastering this recording. Mastering engineer Bernie Grundman has achieved an absolutely beautiful string tone. There is no sign of the old solid state signature, and Bernie's tubed signal path is really paying off. The Classic Records version has excellent transparency to boot, and subtleties of bowing are easy to hear. The dead-quiet vinyl surfaces on this RTI pressing are also appreciated. The original LP is a later Shaded Dog, from 1964. (The original mono version of this work was released as side A of LM-2027 in the late 50's.) In this case, I don't have an original stereo Shaded Dog with which to compare the Classic, but based on my other original RCA/Classic comparisons following the inception of Bernie's tubed signal chain, the Classic is likely as good if not better.

Mike Hobson is due some real kudos for deciding to reissue the Heifetz catalog, and for arranging the licensing to make it happen. These reissues should be very exciting to any lover of Heifetz, and to any lover of classical music for that matter. There's not much more that one could ask. Many thanks to Classic for reissuing the Heifetz catalog!

Oh, yeah, the flip side is the Benjamin Romantic Fantasy for Violin, Viola and Orchestra, with William Primrose on viola, and the RCA Victor Orchestra. Here the orchestra is showcased as much as Heifetz and Primrose. (Note that these two gentlemen played together on many recordings.)

The music is energetic and spirited, with good use of percussion and winds. The performance is characterized by an optimistic verve and drive, offset by more lyrical passages, and punctuated by sparkling percussion. This is not a world-class composition by any means, but nonetheless a beautiful B-side piece worthy of your attention.

This LP is very highly recommended.

(all photos are of the actual item)