One of the great 20th century dudes. Recorded the solo violin stuff, as did Grumiaux. Heifetz was of course a blazing talent. But I find his tone a tiny bit cold.
Your posts have encouraged me to listen to Bach's works in full (again). I've realized: (1) I second it: I find the A minor sonata "very strong". An opening you can get lost in, the fantastic fugue, a lyrical middle, an upbeat finale. The slow-fast-slow-fast form reminds me of that trio sonata from Musical Offering, my favorite; (2) the C major sonata is the least compelling for me, not that it's in any way "bad"; (3) my favorite piece and movement from this set is 1002 and that incompatible bouree, where Bach stops us dead in our tracks with those gut-wrenching staccato notes; (4) overall, I like the partitas better than the sonatas. I don't know why. That E major with all the varied movements is really special, though I don't "love" the gavotte as much as I "should". My favorite Bach gavotte sits after the famous "Air" movement in orchestral suite #3; and (5): Kill me, but I believe Bach is the only composer (possible exception of Mozart) who can make a "single instrument speak a language of infinity" (George Sand said it of Chopin). That single instrument could be violin, cello, organ, keyboard - he did it all. Eagerly anticipating the writeup on 1004!
Wonderful! I've never focused on Hiefetz' recording, but I do love that "scrapey" bowing.
"The Gavotte was the melody that turned me into a Bach guy". Same for me! I think I heard it on Carl Sagan's "Cosmos", and then had to find the music on vinyl at my public library. It crystallized my intuitive liking for the Bach music I'd heard into "this guy is the greatest".
Interesting that you picked Heifetz, because his style is so very romantic. He obviously is one of the greatest ever. The more baroque minded recordings are more compelling to me. Like Giuliano or Rachel Podger. My favorite fusion of baroque and soloist style is Isabella Faust, her improvising is perfect.
Thank you so much for this wonderful series alway a joy
Bach at his best and Evan at his best!
Thanks Al!
Nice article. But for a modern violinist I prefer Szeryng to Heifetz. Also I find the A minor sonata very strong.
Don’t know Szeryng — will check it out!
One of the great 20th century dudes. Recorded the solo violin stuff, as did Grumiaux. Heifetz was of course a blazing talent. But I find his tone a tiny bit cold.
“It’s all music to live by.” Well said, as always, Evan!
TL; DR I love this.
Your posts have encouraged me to listen to Bach's works in full (again). I've realized: (1) I second it: I find the A minor sonata "very strong". An opening you can get lost in, the fantastic fugue, a lyrical middle, an upbeat finale. The slow-fast-slow-fast form reminds me of that trio sonata from Musical Offering, my favorite; (2) the C major sonata is the least compelling for me, not that it's in any way "bad"; (3) my favorite piece and movement from this set is 1002 and that incompatible bouree, where Bach stops us dead in our tracks with those gut-wrenching staccato notes; (4) overall, I like the partitas better than the sonatas. I don't know why. That E major with all the varied movements is really special, though I don't "love" the gavotte as much as I "should". My favorite Bach gavotte sits after the famous "Air" movement in orchestral suite #3; and (5): Kill me, but I believe Bach is the only composer (possible exception of Mozart) who can make a "single instrument speak a language of infinity" (George Sand said it of Chopin). That single instrument could be violin, cello, organ, keyboard - he did it all. Eagerly anticipating the writeup on 1004!
This is great, Brittany! Love your enthusiasm always.
I'm glad! Of course, it's easy to be enthusiastic about Bach. <3
great post.
Wonderful! I've never focused on Hiefetz' recording, but I do love that "scrapey" bowing.
"The Gavotte was the melody that turned me into a Bach guy". Same for me! I think I heard it on Carl Sagan's "Cosmos", and then had to find the music on vinyl at my public library. It crystallized my intuitive liking for the Bach music I'd heard into "this guy is the greatest".
Right on — It’s a perfect melody that develops perfectly and then recapitulates the beginning. One of the most satisfying pieces of all time!
Glad you found it at the library.
Interesting that you picked Heifetz, because his style is so very romantic. He obviously is one of the greatest ever. The more baroque minded recordings are more compelling to me. Like Giuliano or Rachel Podger. My favorite fusion of baroque and soloist style is Isabella Faust, her improvising is perfect.
Thank you so much for this wonderful series alway a joy
I’m a Romantic at heart full disclosure. I want the music to land just on the right side of “too much”…
Podger was one of the artists I was referencing in the article. Her show was a major disappointment for me despite high hopes.
And I agree Faust is great too!
Thanks for reading and your nice words.