A Comparative Review of LSC 2603: Heifetz Performs Bruch and Vieuxtemps
LINK TO FULL VIDEO
If you’re a collector of RCA Living Stereo titles, you know the thrill of discovering the best-sounding pressing of a beloved recording. Today, I’m diving into LSC 2603, the 1961 release featuring the legendary Jascha Heifetz performing Bruch’s Scottish Fantasy and Vieuxtemps’ Concerto No. 5. This superb recording, engineered by the great Kenneth Wilkinson, has been reissued in multiple formats, and I’ve taken the time to compare several pressings to find the definitive version.
The Allure of Living Stereo Collecting
Before diving into the pressings, a quick personal note: my dedication to these records sometimes outweighs other priorities—like haircuts! When I first started collecting, I aimed for two new titles a month. That number quickly increased as I realized how quickly some of these records were disappearing. Since my video The Final Act for Analog Productions Living Stereo, at least nine titles have vanished from availability. If you're still looking to acquire some, check out my guide on the top remaining essentials.
Early Reviews: Critical Acclaim
I always consult the authoritative RCA Living Stereo guides—Jonathan Valin’s and the Mitchell guide—before reviewing a pressing. Both rated LSC 2603 a perfect 10+, with Valin particularly praising the violin tone, calling it a “10++.” From my listening sessions, I can confirm: Heifetz’s violin tone is truly remarkable, soaring with clarity and brilliance.
The White Dog Pressing
The earliest pressing I evaluated was an RCA White Dog label. Visually, the record appeared pristine, but despite multiple cleanings, it suffered from orchestral congestion, groove noise, and a lack of clarity in climaxes. Heifetz’s violin tone was still excellent, but this 13S/11S pressing fell short of its highest potential. I’d love to hear a 1S/1S shaded dog pressing to see if it aligns with Valin’s assessment.
The Classic Records 33 RPM Pressing
Next, I turned to the Classic Records 33 RPM reissue, mastered by Bernie Grundman. This version provided a much clearer and quieter presentation than the White Dog pressing, with improved orchestral detail. However, I found the violin tone slightly bright, lacking the warmth and liquidity I know this recording can achieve. While an improvement, I believed better was possible.
The Classic Records 45 RPM Pressing
Moving on to the Classic 45 RPM pressing—spread across four single-sided discs—this version significantly opened up the sound. Gone was the congestion; in its place was incredible air, separation, and a luminous violin tone that drew me completely into the performance. The only drawback? The side breaks. When absorbed in such a masterful interpretation, interruptions can pull you out of the experience. Despite that, this pressing was a revelation.
The Analogue Productions 33 RPM Pressing: The Winner
Finally, I reached the Analogue Productions 33 RPM reissue, mastered by Ryan K. Smith. From the first notes, I knew this was the one. The super-quiet pressing allowed every nuance to shine, and the violin tone was pure liquid gold—rich, soaring, and utterly captivating. The orchestral balance was the best I had heard, free of congestion and grain. This version provided the most natural, engaging, and effortless listening experience. Even the packaging impressed, with a beautifully reproduced glossy cover that far outshone the Classic 33’s presentation.
About the Music
Bruch’s Scottish Fantasy is a fascinating work, built around Scottish folk tunes and infused with deep emotional expression. Heifetz’s performance here is definitive—every phrase, every nuance, every virtuosic flourish feels inseparable from him. This is music-making at its highest level, paired with top-tier engineering and orchestral support. The Vieuxtemps concerto, while lesser-known, is equally enthralling, drawing me in completely—especially on the Analogue Productions pressing.
Conclusion: A Must-Have
After extensive comparisons, I can confidently say that the Analogue Productions pressing is my clear favorite. The Classic 45 RPM is excellent in its own right, but if you’re looking for the best balance of sound quality and uninterrupted listening, the AP 33 is the way to go. This record could have easily made my top 10 list had I spent more time with it earlier, and now I consider it an essential addition to any serious collection.
If you’re a fan of Kenneth Wilkinson’s engineering, this is a must-hear. A legendary recording, a legendary performance, and now, the definitive pressing to own. Let me know your thoughts—have you heard this one, and which pressing do you prefer?
