HEIFETZ: MUSIC FOR VIOLIN (MONO)

Performer: Jascha Heifetz, violin; Emanuel Bay, piano; Richard Esslasser, organ
Composer: Heifetz
Number of Discs: 1
Label: Impex Records
Medium: LP
Genre: Chamber Classical
Year: 2024

First LP reissue made with strictly analog technology in the last 50 years

Remastering by Bernie Grundman from the original analog tapes

Pressed on 180-gram vinyl at RTI

Luxurious "reversed" tip-on cover with faithful reproduction of the original artwork

Exclusive full-color insert with new liner notes and production notes by Charles L. Granata, along with previously unpublished photographs from the Sony Music Archives

“It is not at all surprising that Jascha Heifetz always had a deep affinity with the vast, stormy ocean and its perpetually opposing forces, as the intensity and sensitivity of the ocean, as well as its eternal alternation of fury and serenity in all its infinite shades, are the most emblematic traits of the legendary Lithuanian virtuoso. This unmistakable sound—rich in expressiveness, vigor, and consistency—helped make Heifetz one of the most famous violinists in the world” (from Charles Granata's liner notes).

Remastered with strictly analog technology and pressed on high-quality audiophile 180-gram vinyl, this must-have reissue from Impex Records includes three precious gems from the later years of the modern violin titan's career, performed flawlessly and recorded with surprising quality. The Lark allows listeners to rediscover some of the works that most defined Heifetz's artistic personality at various stages of his illustrious career, highlighting his perfect attacks, imaginative phrasing, and sustained notes with unmatched sweetness.

The program of this album is extremely intriguing, creatively pairing two iconic repertoire pieces (the famous Chaconne in G minor for violin and basso continuo by Baroque composer Tomaso Antonio Vitali, and the late Romantic Sonata No. 1 in A major for violin and piano Op. 13 by Gabriel Fauré) with The Lark by Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco, a modern symphonic poem for violin and piano written in the 20th century. Though written nearly two centuries apart, these three works complement each other beautifully, showcasing the foresight of Heifetz and producer John (Jack) Pfeiffer, who collaborated with the great virtuoso in crafting this album.

The lacquers were cut by the legendary Bernie Grundman from the original tape copy, carefully made by Andreas Meyer at Swan Studios in New York. It is important to note that no digital manipulation was used in the remastering process. The original "reversed" tip-on cover and a brand-new four-page insert are two elements that make a significant difference between those who seek an (expensive) original copy to satisfy nostalgia and those who truly appreciate the editorial value of all the magnificent reissues from Impex Records.

Jascha Heifetz, violin; Richard Ellsasser, organ (Vitali); Emanuel Bay, piano (Castelnuovo-Tedesco); Brooks Smith, piano (Fauré)

Side A
Tomaso Antonio Vitali (1663-1745)
Chaconne for violin and organ
Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco (1895-1968)
The Lark (poem in rondo form)

Side B
Gabriel Fauré (1845-1924)
Sonata No. 1 in A major for violin and piano Op. 13