Beethoven: Violin Concerto in D / Mendelssohn: Violin Concerto in E Minor

RCA has coupled, recoupled, and re-recoupled their Heifetz recordings in just about every conceivable incarnation, making it very difficult and confusing for the collector to purchase the best of them in a simple and straightforward way. This "Living Stereo" reissue, however, really does offer the best sound so far, and the performances are second to none. Heifetz's Mendelssohn has always led the field: for lightness, athleticism, grace, and virtuosity, it's unsurpassed. In a work that many violinists take for granted, Heifetz's high-powered approach really does remind us what great music this really is and how it responds to a violinist with a real sense of bravura. The coupling--a superb Beethoven concerto--provides a real antidote to so many modern performances that mistake slowness for depth. If any disc deserves to be called "essential," this one does. --David Hurwitz