Like his compatriot Angela Hewitt (a pianist), James Ehnes is a hyperactive recording artist. In addition to this romantic release, check out the complete violin concertos, also just released by Analekta. And that’s not counting the violinist’s two or three releases a year on various labels, a rhythm he has maintained for several years. It’s almost unbelievable that this efficient Romantic had never before captured for posterity Lalo’s unmissable Symphonie espagnole and Saint-Saëns’s splendid Third concerto. Well, it’s done, and it’s entirely successful.
Lalo’s Symphonie espagnole dances marvellously well here and is illuminated by the sunny brilliance of the Manitoba-born playing, supported by the resplendent kaleidoscope of the BBC Phil. This striking pleasure is repeated again in a very lively reading of Sarasate’s Fantasia on Carmen, where the ‘’espagnoleries’’ ring out with authenticity and the violin twirls like the famous temptress’s scarf around her lovers’ necks.
In the middle of these two Hispanic masterpieces is a Third Concerto by Saint-Saëns, an achievement of order and natural beauty, nourished by ample and rich melodies. Ehnes gives it a breath of fresh air without overplaying it, as well as impressive panache. Juanjo Mena is in tune with the violinist, transforming the BBC Phil into a broad, radiant canvas of flourishing colours.
The perfect combination of irresistible music and remarkably accurate interpretation.
