For what it is, this is the best there is. What it is is two discs of encores recorded in the mid-'40s for American Decca by
Jascha Heifetz, the man some would say was the greatest violin virtuoso of the twentieth century. Every performance, every phrase, heck, every note is absolutely stunning, full of the kind of flash and brilliance and artistry you just don't hear anymore. This may sound like an absurd exaggeration, but just try any track at random -- they're all consistently amazing. Try the extravagant technique of Benjamin's Jamaican Rumba or the hilarious wit of
Rossini's Figaro or the sentimental warmth of
Berlin's White Christmas or the ingratiating nostalgia of
Foster's Old Folks at Home or the deep blues of
Gershwin's Porgy and Bess or the insouciant swing of
Weill's Mack the Knife or exquisite sensuality of
Chopin's Nocturne. Or try, if you dare,
Heifetz's corny duet with
Bing Crosby (!) on
Löhr's incredibly hokey Where My Caravan Has Rested or the first-ever release of
Heifetz performing on the piano as "Jim Hoyl" his own lovely little pop song When You Make Love to Me (Don't Play Make Believe). While the sound throughout is vintage World War II America, that is, rough, ready, and winning, the performances are unfailingly staggering. Anyone who wants to find out what real virtuoso violin playing is all about is urged to try this set.