John Pitman Reviews: María Dueñas’ Homage to Heifetz
Spanish violinist María Dueñas is still in her early 20s but already has three albums to her name. An exclusive Deutsche Grammophon artist, Dueñas debuted with “Beethoven and Beyond.” She followed that with the 24 Paganini caprices and has now released an album that is in homage to her hero, that titan of the 20th century, Jascha Heifetz.
Dueñas recently spoke with John Pitman, All Classical Radio’s Director of Music and Programming, about her latest album. Homage to Heifetz features works that the composer either debuted himself, such as the Korngold Concerto; or music which he championed such as Lalo’s Symphonie Espagnole, which is a work near and dear to the Spanish soloist’s heart.
In their conversation below, Dueñas discusses the meaning that these music choices have for her, as well as her deep respect for “Golden Age” recording artists like Heifetz. The interview also features excerpts from Ms. Dueñas’s new album.
María Dueñas’ Homage to Heifetz is available now on Deutsche Grammophon.
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