Jascha Heifetz Master Classes

Season 1, Episode 3: Heifetz Master Class; 3; Claire Hodgkins

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Ms. Hodgkins performs Scales and Dont Etude No. 5 and Chausson Poeme Op. 25. Of all the disciples in the Cesar Franck entourage, Ernest Chausson (1855-1899) unquestionably enjoyed the most spontaneous melodic gift. Essentially he was a lyricist; a kind of latter-day and only slightly less prolific Schubert. In 1896, he composed this exquisite work for the violin - The Poeme, Op. 25. Strictly speaking, the Poeme is a free-wheeling rhapsody for the violin. With the instruments soaring above the orchestra, the piece is a glory of communication rather than an exercise in form. It is one of the most beautiful pieces for violin and orchestra.