Beethoven & Brahms: Violinkonzerte

This is Jascha Heifetz soloist interpretation of 2 beautiful works:
Beethoven's op. 61 and Brahms Op. 77 concerts for violin and orchestra.

Beethoven's concert just leaves us begging life he had written more of these. With his usual mix of bass strings and high pitched themes of flute and violin. With rhythmic patterns in the strings giving way to sweet melodies.

Heifetz is not shy when trying to give his interpretation a sublime intent. He is playful whilst being sober, which as far as I can imagine is the way Beethoven might have wished this to be.

As for Brahms', Heifetz does a powerful first movement, with so sweet spots and a forceful cadenza. The second movement has also a very tender violin interpretation. And the third, with the timbral weaving of the presentation of the theme, turns it from pleasurable to beautiful.

I have to confess that it took me some active listening of Brahms' concert, to find the beauty beyond just following the tune. But that is what this endeavor is about.

A RCA Victor, Red Seal CD.


Beethoven, Concerto Op. 61, in D
Boston Symphony Orchestra, Chales Munch
recorded Nov. 27 & 28, 1955, Symphony Hall, Boston, USA
Cadenza 1st movement: Auer - Heifetz
Cadenza 3rd movement: Joachim - Heifetz

Brahms, Concerto Op. 61, in D
Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Fritz Reiner
recorded Nov. 21 & 21, 1955, Orchestra Hall, Chicago, USA
Cadenza 1st movement: Heifetz