Jascha Heifetz Master Classes — Season 1, Episode 8: Heifetz Master Class; 8; Varoujon Kodjian Plays Bach and Beethoven

Episode synopsis

Mr. Kodjian is an Armenian born Lebanese national who is in this country for the special purpose of studying with Mr. Heifetz. He performs Bach Partita No. 2 D Minor and Chaconne. Bachs six solo Sonatas and Partitas for unaccompanied violin are as uncommonly difficult to play as their mastery is rewarding. The extraordinary difficulty which this solo music presents impelled violinists to develop almost a special phase of technique to conquer them. The music itself is so supremely great and noble that violinists regard performances of these works as the most convincing proof of the powers of the instrument as well as of interpretation. The Sonatas are sequences of abstract forms whereas the Partitas are sequences of dance forms. The famous Chaconne is the last movement of Partita No. 2 in D Minor and easily one of musics masterpieces, as well as one of the most difficult interpretive pieces ever composed for the violin as a solo instrument.

About Jascha Heifetz Master Classes

In this renowned series of rare television appearances, the legendary Jascha Heifetz—often referred to as the greatest violinist of the 20th century—leads a historic master class at the University of Southern California, in 1962. Through their mixture of brilliance and informality, these classes offer a glimpse into the technique, process, and personality of a classical virtuoso.

More episodes from Season 1

• E1Heifetz Master Class; 1; Varoujon Kodjian
• E2Heifetz Master Class; 2; Erick Friedman Plays Brahms and Bach
• E3Heifetz Master Class; 3; Claire Hodgkins
• E4Heifetz Master Class; 4; Carol Sindell and Robert Witte
• E5Heifetz Master Class; 5; Erick Friedman Plays Bach
• E6eifetz Master Class; 6; Elizabeth Matesky
• E7Heifetz Master Class; 7; Erick Friedman and Adam Han-Gorsky