Julia Fischer plays Max Bruch Scottish Fantasy for violin and orchestra

Soloist : Julia Fischer
Conductor : Marek Janowski
Orchestre symphonique de la Suisse Romande
1.Introduction; Grave, Adagio cantabile
2.Scherzo; Allegro
3.Andante sostenuto
4.Finale; Allegro guerriero

[@JAMESLEVEE]

The key is E-flat Major, the opus number is 46. The Scottish tunes utilized in each movement are: I. "Auld Rob Morris" II. "Hey The Dusty Miller" III. "I'm A'Doun for Lack O'Johnnie IV. "Hey Tuttie Tatie" (Scots Wha' Hae) "Auld Rob Morris" is used cyclically, linking the 2nd and 3rd movements and making a final reappearance at the end of the finale. The introduction to the first movement (in the tonic minor), and all the secondary themes are original material by Bruch.

[@ralphberney7768]

How sombre an opening full of foreboding, which sets the scene for the beauty of the violin, as an emotiomal, intimate plea, a lightening line - in slow time- against so dark a sky, and what exquisite finesse of shine, richness of illumination Julia Fischer draws and strikes.

[@j.rossmayhew5269]

Well spoken, sir!!!! I needn't add anything more - except to say that this is my first time carefully listening to this fine young artist and i LIKE what i am hearing!!!!

[@lindacowles756]

G'day, Ralph Berney! This is my 1st time hearing this piece and wondering why it's called "Scottish" Fantasy. Is your post a poem by you? Beautifully said!

[@Dogaradodia]

Certifié intergalactique!

[@pietalpha2]

I think the main difference between the "up-and-coming" youngsters and the "ancients" is that I can actually go to see and hear the former live. I have to rely on the recorded messages of the latter. As always, Julia has a thoughtful mind attached to her bowing arm, as will again be demonstrated when I see her live in three weeks time!

[@gossamerwings3632]

I love this Scottish Fantasy and this Julia i like but David Oistrakh is excellent!! i have only recently heard young American Stefan Jackiw and he is also good and in time will be a mature violinist like Joshua Bell. But there is a difference in Heifitz playing this piece, but they are all excellent, just a personal preference for everyone and that is great!! Let's enjoy these fine musicians and not put anyone down. I like the compositions first and then the musicians personally, so i like this Scottish Fantasy a lot more than Beethoven's 9th Symphony, hahaha :-)so even if Oistrakh or Julia plays Beethoven, i like Scottish better!

[@sszorin]

This recording has a good sound, the sound engineering was done by a master.

[@niceguy8935]

Don't you hear that fucking background buzzing? It's fucking annoying.

[@Ivander85]

​@@niceguy8935 I hear a high pitched frequency makes it impossible to listen to with headphones unfortunately.

[@vickywesterfield288]

I agree that Heifetz will always remain the best in many ways. However, we also need to embrace the upcoming talent as well. If I played half as good as they do, I would be very happy! And if there were no good live performances to attend (and new recordings to buy, and interpretations to take in, etc.) life would be pretty boring. Each artist brings different aspects of the music we can all appreciate.

[@ZiggyTheDawg]

Honestly, in violin there has been a sort of fetishization of Heifetz's playing. He was undoubtedly an excellent performer, but since he was at his peak during the so-called "golden age" of violin, he was relatively overrated in his abilities. I think that there are definitely violinists who have passed his abilities in the evolution of violin technique (Hilary Hahn being my favorite), but many still cling to "the great Heifetz". I'll listen and enjoy Heifetz's playing, but really, people, the golden age of violin does not mean the last age.

[@ritachan5226]

ZiggyTheDawg I love Syzerng, Elmar and Oistrakh too, depending on which repertoire. Heifetz has faster tempo a lot of time. But Mendolssohn-Chicago-Reiner is very good., recommended by a violinist. Sorry I am not violinist but love good music. Is it okay? Young people fav is Fischer and Hilary Hanh. we went to concert before Hilary got famous and she was so pretty, down-to-earth and passionate. My daughter was a baby so she did not see her. I watched some of Hilary's online videos just thought in addition to a great musician also a wonderful person. She lives in my area. My daughter ended up liking the cello sound better and her teacher is a great Russian in Southern California. Very happy face:-)

[@ZiggyTheDawg]

Rita Chan You're exactly right, anyone who listens to a lot of classical will eventually develop preferences. I listen to Hahn for Bach and all the big concertos (such as Sibelius, Prokofiev, Mendelssohn, etc., with the exception of Vivaldi's seasons and Wieniawski's Concerto no. 2), Maxim Vengerov for Mozart and Saraste, Shlomo Mintz for Paganini and Wieniawski, and Perlman for Paganini and Saint-Saens. Other pieces I tend to listen to Hahn play.

[@patrickseanlee1]

Vicky Westerfield I absolutely agree, V.

[@richardsmallwood7940]

My late mum knew Heifetz and worshipped him, but sadly she never got to hear Julia Fischer's superb renditions of the major works of the great composers, I honestly believe that she would have loved listening to her playing!

[@4980cbs]

If we speak of of violinists of today Julia Fischer is the one i prefer

[@גולציןיוסף]

Mr Vanderbild, thank you for letting evrybody enjoy this great performance.

[@poseuresque]

This is a lovely performance. But I think it's unfair to suppose that mentioning a remarkable performance by Heifetz, who set the bar with this piece, is "preferring to live in the past". That seems like a common opinion in a homogenized, un-pedagogical musical climate. Any young, interested person would only do well for themselves by reading names like Seidel, Heifetz, Prihoda, Szigeti, Hassid, etc; this is where youtube becomes an invaluable resource for accessing the past, developing a frame of reference for where we as moderns stand in relation to the monumental epochs of the violinistic tradition. Which is dying. KZbin is perfect for digging into the past and any lover of the Scottish Fantasy really should listen to his recording with Sir Malcolm Sargent conducting.

[@geiger1569]

poseuresque Heifetz plays too fast ... his playing never appeals to me.

[@stephenmessick6619]

The version played by Heifetz is not the same as you hear other violinists play. It is far more "together", especially in the last mvt, which is far superior to the version we hear here. It is far more dramatic. Has anyone else noticed these differences? I have posted a comment like this on some other versions on KZbin but never received any comments to answer my questions about it. I'll keep looking.

[@mmbmbmbmb]

A wonderful piece of music ~ so magically performed by this gifted musician Julia Fischer. Many thanks for sharing this gem here on KZbin!

[@Lengo67]

Gadz! This blows all other competitors of this composition away! Marek Janowsky conducting the Orchestra Symphonique de Suisse Romande (Symphonic Orchestra of Swiss Romance) with Julia Fisher on her 2 million dollar violin blows away three of the recordings of this that I have! They have been scrubbed! Julia Fischer is the best! Leave all the rest alone! Gadzooks! This is luxurious and truly Fantastic (a fantasy). WOW!

[@MetalRabbit51]

Heifetz is a rare creature. Genius mind accompanied by the perfect hands, and great discipline. I suppose like any musical piece, each artist interprets according to their own voice and gift. Some to greatness, others not so. This is a beautiful piece however, and surely she will continue to grow as an artist. Heifetz will remain the gold standard.

[@jansnauwaert1785]

Well, not to me. Although I have to recognize Heifetz' technical perfection. Don't love him though.

[@supercalifragelistik]

I'm so happy to have found this! Julia is so amazing. I love this piece. She is the most beautiful violinist in the world. Wonderful performance!!!

[@v.vedovati5011]

Ein wunderbares Konzert (M.Bruch) mit dieser begnadeten Künstlerin Julia Fischer.

[@cowlikesbeef]

emma watson is really talented.

[@wufscello]

cowlikesbeef LOL

[@Kenji-ty6yf]

Emma Watson is always relevant

[@jassam5536]

Hahahahhahaha LMAO

[@mauricio131948]

existen y han existido y existiran muchos excelentes interpretes y hay que disfrutarlos a todos y a cada uno con sus diferencias y eso hace mucho mas interesante el escuchar la musica.

[@KittyWongHF]

if music can be translated to poems, this would be the best one.

[@jassam5536]

I’m totally impressed with her technique and the style of this masterpiece. Anyone know if 26:00 the wrong pick up line there was actually on purpose?

[@cornel999]

fantastic playing as always from Julia. interesting memory slip at 25:58, but an amazing recovery. if you didn't know the piece, you would never have been aware.

[@vangel1443]

I'm still waiting for the invention of the KZbin button "Like it... very much" ; )

[@classicalalways]

Fischer is one of a few excellent young violinists - but Janowski is a superb conductor who has never received the type of attention commensurate with his ability. In a piece such as this where a dominant performance by a legend such as Heifetz clearly stands above all others, it is always unfair to try to compare someone like Fischer with that performance (or even Perlman with that performance). But, hats off to Fischer for extremely find playing here and helping keep this masterpiece alive.

[@rubisrosa]

Splendide !!

[@melaniamonicacraciun9900]

Get in action fans REPLAY event dating your new cyber supporters and let only music rule the world, let them young generations find in music the best life matie as it is for me, the best placebo narcotic that never hurts but is stimulating brain as well as heart to improve the human assets, let's get back the true human nature we need the most, let's dedicate this awesome performance those who need to become your fans from now on & never let any evil dare to harm you guys Ok?

[@zoltanlakatos532]

maxim vengerov very very best !

[@4980cbs]

Although I love Julia Fischer I feel a bit dissapointed with this performance maybe it´s not her to blame after all Janowski is the main responsible of the concerto ,too slow to my taste.

[@dave134177]

Loosens the shackles to my Soul.

[@REller-rq8ht]

Great how she is playing. Its so different to Heifetz, Perlman, Oistrakh. I like it.

[@jansnauwaert1785]

Yes, a really feminine touch, if one may say so.

[@federicohernandez6076]

Es tan fantástica que la Fantasía de Bruch la hace insuperable en las manos de Julia Fischer

[@Zebra902]

Thanks! She is amazing.......too bad this wasn't in HD.

[@SilvioNobre]

Magnífica!!!

[@russcoles892]

ausgetzeitnet!! not correct spelling but close

[@j.rossmayhew5269]

lol you bring me cheerful laughter. Thanks.

[@vovoluluj]

Beautiful music!

[@miratakagi]

ヴァイオリンの演奏の素晴らしい奏者のアーティキュレーションに感動しました。

[@miratakagi]

I was impressed by the articulations of the wonderful players playing the violin.

[@forrestkim2919]

Beautiful !!!

[@moniquereboulet5513]

Magnifique interpretation et magnifique interprete,absolument parfaite.Heifetz bien, sur mais quelle finesse feminine,Merci Mme Julia Fischer

[@jansnauwaert1785]

Yes, indeed, very big sensitiveness; "feminine" indeed.

[@씨티킴]

Fantastic & Beautiful

[@roberthillier80]

Canny Scot's music, was Max Bruch a Scot?

[@mashpeewee1]

Max Bruch Composer Max Christian Friedrich Bruch, also known as Max Karl August Bruch, was a German Romantic composer and conductor who wrote over 200 works, including three violin concertos, the first of which has become a staple of the violin repertory. Born: January 6, 1838, Cologne, Germany Died: October 20, 1920, Friedenau, Germany

[@JAMESLEVEE]

Bruch was one of the first ethnomusicologists. He was no more a Scot for composing this Fantasy than he was a Swede for composing the Swedish Dances or a Jew for composing the Kol Nidrei for cello and orchestra. He did spend some time in England, as director of the Liverpool Philharmonic Society (he met his wife there), but never actually crossed the border into Scotland. He composed this work for Pablo de Sarasate, for whom he also composed his 2nd Violin Concerto.

[@andrewhodkinson1461]

Sorry James, but Bruch was the conductor of the Scottish National Orchestra from 1898 - 1900.

[@JAMESLEVEE]

Perhaps. But that was well after he composed the Scottish Fantasy, in 1878, I believe. I should have made it more clear that he never went to Scotland during his tenure in Liverpool.

[@edwardcaulfield67]

where do you start on a recording like this, from the top I would guess, The Scottish Fantasy is one of my favourite pieces of music this recording does not add the the pleasure of this piece, it is boring and dull, the playing at times seems to fade away hardly to be heard in some passages. I think Keon (below) is correct about the 26:00 minute error, I might also add the cough at 29:09 does not help an enjoyment of the piece, I think a lot of comments lauding the performance are really too far off the mark. it is important to support up and coming artists encouragement etc, but this performance needs to be seriously looked at with a view on how better it can be performed. Comment was made about the 'ancients' the younger performers should be studying them to the bitter end to work to understand the complexities of the piece I don't think that has happened that much here. As I have said elsewhere I believe the greatest recording of this piece is by David O. for mine their is excitement, maybe even Barenboim on a different day. that is my view many may disagree so be it after all it's subjective,

[@edwardcaulfield67]

just to add another concern about this recording at 8:29 you can clearly hear someone talking or coughing or maybe both, whoever said the recording has good sound and the sound engineering was done by a master certainly not a sound engineer, a good engineer would have picked up those errors and fixed them

[@alainmarchal7345]

Sublime

[@tjallobascon]

It makes me think of Macbeth

[@LiDrLin]

the recording quality is very good !

[@csmaass]

Beautiful rendition of the Scottish Fantasy by the youn Julia Fisher.

[@윤석현-e6y]

내게 이곡을 알려준 시인 안풍실에게 축복있을지어다. 그에 음에스승인 황말짱에게도....

[@holycowpainter]

Saw Miss Fischer play as a wee lass decades ago in Miami, She really deserves the artist of the year again.

[@AlfredMertens]

My Favorit of Violine, dear MURAT

[@anyardsroad]

Haha … I was also going to say this is amazing but …. not as perfect as the Heifetz in Paris version! Is this maybe a little too 'flashy' ….?

[@jansnauwaert1785]

Shut up.

[@stephenadams1085]

she transfers you to another world

[@radomeliksetian3438]

Es un angel, con espiritu fuerte. Te quiero mucho.

[@Chiko-sc1gz]

Max Bruch is so underrated

[@cristinaverstraeten7504]

Casate conmigo, Julia

[@benjamincareaga2952]

S infancia de México

[@FightCornerMrlb4lb]

Seems like there are a few people on here that like the watered down prodigies of this era and don't recognize why people mention Heifetz in comparison to others now in present. Its because he was GOD on the violin idiots. He was the gold standard. All else that does not compare, although may be beautiful is still a pale imitation of Heifetz. Heifetz was genius on the violin. He took hard pieces and made them harder with his own spins which is something we don't see much of. Brahms violin concerto cadenza for example. This song for example. She played a watered down version of what Heifetz played. Mediocrity compared to legend is more excepted now a days I guess.

[@MrBlindmans]

Idiots? You a product of the Third Reich? Shame on you,this is beautiful playing.

[@FightCornerMrlb4lb]

***** Read the comments left. lol.

[@FightCornerMrlb4lb]

MrBlindmans Right right............ lol.

[@Nullifidian]

I never thought I'd have reason to prefer opera snobs, but even *they* recognize, when putting down the artists of the present, that there is never one definitive way to perform a piece. They may have their preferences, but they don't claim that Vickers, Domingo, del Monaco, etc. gave the "gold standard" performance of Otello that every other singer is only palely imitating. Windgassen is probably the singer closest to being nominated for godhood among Wagnerites, but even they don't necessarily spurn Vickers, Vinay, Svanholm, Kollo, Jerusalem, etc. How we must pity the poor composer, Max Bruch, who would never live to hear the definitive performance of his great work. In fact, it's a wonder why any 19th century composers ever bothered adding to the violin repertoire, saddled as they were with such inferior performers (that Sarasate! what a hack! And about Paganini, the less said the better...).

[@정태순-u1d]

Very nice~~♥

[@Zebra902]

I agree!

[@editszegedi3076]

Csodálatos

[@princegarbsen]

líke

[@violinhunter2]

After listening to Heifetz, it's hard to be impressed by anyone else but this is really lovely playing.

[@watutman]

Have you heard Stefan Jackiw play this? Very passionate.

[@octaviohurtadoortega1978]

Vivaldi

[@diefledermichael801]

Alfredo Campoli was twice the violinist Heifetz was, especially in this piece!

[@jacksonspurling7441]

In my mind, all others who play this will never truly master Scottish Fantasy quite like Heifetz did.