Artists Of The Century: Jascha Heifetz

For many violin fans, Jascha Heifetz (1901-1987) remains, quite simply, the greatest. Heifetz's perfect tone and electric playing weren't always subtle, but you can't deny the awesome power of his virtuosity and precision. Heifetz: The Supreme gathers some of his best-loved works--violin concertos by Sibelius, Glazunov, and Tchaikovsky--along with a few gems (Gershwin's Three Preludes, Bach's Chaconne from Partita No. 2) into one, remastered two-CD package. The Bach may be too intense for some tastes--it's an impassioned, romantic reading--but Heifetz is merely being himself. On the Sibelius and Tchaikovsky violin concertos, though, his skills are undeniable. Fritz Reiner and the Chicago Symphony provide the perfect accompaniment for the violinist, and Heifetz simply lets loose. Heifetz's Gershwin transcriptions are an added, fun bonus. If you haven't been introduced to the glory of Heifetz, here's your chance. With remastered sound, he's never sounded better. --Jason Verlinde