Here for your delectation is the SPECTACULAR & RARE------------------SIBELIUS VIOLIN CONCERTO IN D MINOR, OP. 47, JASCHA HEIFETZ, VIOLINIST /CHICAGO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA, WALTER HENDL, CONDUCTING LP. Jean Sibelius (8 December 1865 – 20 September 1957) was a Finnish composer of the later Romantic period whose music played an important role in the formation of the Finnish national identity. His mastery of the orchestra has been described as "prodigious." This is the only concerto that Sibelius wrote, though he composed several other smaller-scale pieces for solo instrument and orchestra. One noteworthy feature of the work is the way in which an extended cadenza for the soloist takes on the role of the development section in the sonata form first movement. Donald Tovey described the final movement as a "polonaise for polar bears." However, he was not intending to be derogatory, as he went on: "In the easier and looser concerto forms invented by Mendelssohn and Schumann I have not met a more original, a more masterly, and a more exhilarating work than the Sibelius violin concerto". This concerto is generally symphonic in scope, departing completely from the often lighter, "rhythmic" accompaniments of many other concertos. The solo violin and all sections of the orchestra have equal voice in the piece. Jascha Heifetz made the first recording of the Sibelius concerto. Heifetz held it to be one of the great romantic concertos in the violin repertoire. Jascha Heifetz (February 2, 1901 – December 10, 1987) was a violinist, born in Vilnius. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest violinists of all time. Heifetz owns this concerto--you will never hear anyone play it the way he did. The opening movement, extremely moody and atmospheric, is riveting. Heifetz' playing draws you in, and, it will send shivers down your spine. The third movement is also impressive--a fine example of virtuosity and brilliance. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!