Beethoven: Violin Concerto, Romances (with Schubert: Rondo in A)
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LUDWIG van BEETHOVEN
Beethoven: Violin Concerto, Romances (with Schubert: Rondo in A)
James Ehnes (violin), Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, Andrew Manze
[ Onyx Classics / CD ]
Release Date: Friday 20 October 2017
This item is currently out of stock. It may take 6 or more weeks to obtain from when you place your order as this is a specialist product.
Beethoven's Violin Concerto represents the supreme challenge for violinists. Far from being a virtuoso display piece, this is chamber music on a large scale, the last and greatest 'classical' violin concerto, giving the soloist no place to hide with a solo part that is often very exposed against sparse orchestral accompaniment. A lukewarm reception at the concerto's premiere in 1806 led to it being forgotten until Joseph Joachim resurrected it in the 1850s and restored to its rightful position as one of the greatest and most popular concertos for the instrument. This is James Ehnes' first recording of this concerto, and he is supported sensitively by the award winning RLPO and fellow violinist turned conductor, Andrew Manze. The combination of soloist, orchestra and conductor on this recording is a dream team.
"The rich, warm sound of the RLPO strings here may come as a surprise, though it's a perfect complement to the soloist's sweet-toned, Apollonian approach...Technically, Ehnes's playing is a marvel...But, really, it's his - and Manze's - thoughtfulness and patience that make this recording so satisfying...Ehnes and Manze have given us a Beethoven Concerto to stand among the very best" Gramphone Editor's Choice November 2017
"Ehnes is probably my favourite violinist working today, a poet of the instrument… the Beethoven concerto is the star here, and Ehnes and Manze have given us an interpretation for the ages, one that stands proudly alongside the competition, and, in many cases, faces it down" MusicWeb
"Any danger of a routine account of this popular concerto is instantly dispelled by the freshness and colour of the opening bars...Ehnes's fluent playing has similar virtues. In his hands, the finale's repeated main theme is always a delight, so perfectly articulated." Sunday Times
"His playing may be understated, but it is as secure and eloquent in the tricksy Kreisler cadenzas as it is in the unadorned melodies of the slow movement, and every note has something to sing about...Manze draws out a fine Beethoven sound from the modern instruments of the Royal Liverpool Phil, strong yet transparent, and they play their socks off in support." The Guardian
Tracks:
Beethoven: Violin Concerto op61,
Two Romances op40 & 50
Schubert: Rondo in A, D438
