Sibelius, Prokofiev, Glazunov: Violin Concertos

In reissuing its vintage stereo recordings, RCA either reproduces the original albums as they were released on LP or combines several recordings into much fuller programs. Fortunately, the second option pertains to this album of Jascha Heifetz's masterful performances of violin concertos by Sibelius, Prokofiev, and Glazunov; listeners get well over an hour of great music. Heifetz recorded Sibelius' concerto and Prokofiev's Concerto No. 2 in 1959, and these were released on LP with Walter Hendl and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in the former, and with Charles Münch and the Boston Symphony Orchestra in the latter; the Glazunov concerto was recorded in 1963, with Hendl leading the RCA Victor Symphony Orchestra. As varied as the conductors, ensembles, and venues are, there is remarkable consistency in the excellence of the recordings. Heifetz is always in complete control, and his awe-inspiring playing binds these performances. In terms of reproduction, Heifetz is always distinctly separated from the orchestral accompaniment, and the three ensembles are reproduced with natural depth. For Heifetz fans who want to hear every astonishing detail, this is an ideal disc.