Beethoven: Violin Concerto, Op. 61; Mendelssohn: Violin Concerto, Op. 64

But it's the Mendelssohn that really earns the five stars here for me. After hearing this recording, I have to say that almost every other version I've heard now sounds somewhat cloying and insincere. Heifetz has been described as distant and stiff -- and compared to many young violinists, that may be true. But in a piece of this magnitude, trying to wring emotion from every phrase is a reckless and ill-fated endeavor. Heifetz's connection to the music is virtually unshakable. He does not mask lapses in concentration as sudden mood changes. There are no lapses in concentration (well, very few) -- which is likely why many people find his playing "unemotional." The concerto emerges as a whole piece, not broken up by arbitrary dramatic interjections. His virtually incomparable playing reveals its beauty and delight as he pursues the purity of the musical form with a dedication few others can match. Thank God he doesn't waste his time trying to provide us with an "emotional roadmap."

I think Heifetz version must be ranked as the fastest, tempo-wise. You can see the playtime of the 1st movement is about 3 min quicker than the average (18-19 + min for Heifetz, the rest usually 21- 24 + min). That is of course needed to consider different cadenza, too.

Some people find fast playing a problem. It feels like rushing but for Heifetz, he is certainly not rushing. He is just fast with certainty and accuracy. It's a delight to hear.

The Mendelssohn is amazingly powerful, clean and moving. One must see him play to fully visualise what a great man he is. You can see him playing this piece on DVD (the EMI Classic archive series). He hardly moves while playing, not much facial emotion. But he is so assure and firm. Shame it's only the first movement though. However, it's certainly worth the penny.

As for this CD, I am so glad that I own a copy. The Living Stereo Sound Quality is good, the artist and musicians are excellent. The price is a bargain.

I do not listen it too often. It is not because I don't like it. It's just that every time I listen to it, I don't want to do anything else but listen carefully. And that's not easy!

The great man is surely a legend of our last century.

Mendelssohn Violin Conerto: You have not heard this concerto performed well until you have Heard Heifetz. I would pay 50$ for this piece alone. The woodwinds in the orchestra are a bit too strong, but some good use of sound controls can minimize this. Even with the woodwinds, my ears nearly fell off when I heard this recording of what I consider the second best violin piece of all time. (Tchaikovsky wins by a hair) I heard Itzahk in person last winter, and his live performance barely was a worthy comparison to this "living stereo" recording by Heifetz.

Buy this CD, If you don't, you will be missing the greatest recording of Mendelssohn in existance. If I could I would rate it 10 stars, no joke.