Selections: The Best of James Ehnes

Style in musical performance is very important. The performer has the responsibility to communicate the intended style of the composer. When Yehudi Menuhin wanted to begin to include the Viennese encores in his programs, he actually went to see legendary violinist Fritz Kreisler in order to learn from the Master himself how these elegant morsels of violin literature are to be played.

I have come to enjoy and respect the style, tone, and technique of violinist James Ehnes. This CD illustrates the large breadth of capabilities that he has in giving us a diverse program of music.

As you can see from the list of selections below, the program starts with Bach. Yet it jumps forward in time quickly to include Dvorak and Massenet. In the Kreisler selections I can hear echoes of Mr. Ehnes’ training with some very fine teachers. Kreisler must be done in a tasteful way, yet kept light and elegant; and Mr. Ehnes achieves these qualities completely.

Here are the specific selections:

Bach, J S:

• Partita for solo violin No. 3 in E major, BWV1006: Preludio

• Cantabile from Sonata No. 6 version 2 BWV1019a

Luc Beauséjour (harpsichord)

• Partita for solo violin No. 2 in D minor, BWV1004: Chaconne

Dvorak:

• Romantic Pieces for Violin & Piano, Op. 75 – Allegro moderato

Eduard Laurel (piano)

• Sonatina for violin and piano in G major, Op. 100: Larghetto

Eduard Laurel (piano)
Kreisler:

• Liebesleid

• Liebesfreud

• Tambourin Chinois, Op. 3

Eduard Laurel (piano)
Massenet:

• Meditation (from Thaïs)

Orchestre symphonique de Québec, Yoav Talmi
Saint-Saëns:

• Havanaise, Op. 83

• Introduction & Rondo capriccioso, Op. 28

Orchestre symphonique de Québec, Yoav Talmi

Here is James Ehnes playing the Bach A minor Fugue:

And here he is again, Playing the Fulton Collection of fine Violins:

Tags: James Ehnes, violinist, “Selections”