Barber, Korngold, Walton: Violin Concertos

James Ehnes (Artist), Samuel Barber (Composer), Erich Wolfgang Korngold (Composer), William Walton (Composer), Bramwell Tovey (Conductor), Vancouver Symphony Orchestra (Orchestra) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Orchestra: Vancouver Symphony Orchestra
• Conductor: Bramwell Tovey
• Composer: Samuel Barber, Erich Wolfgang Korngold, William Walton
• Audio CD (October 31, 2006)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Cbc
• ASIN: B000I6AITO
• Also Available in: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #56,747 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #13 in Music > Classical > Historical Periods > Modern, 20th, & 21st Century > Composers > Korngold, Erich Wolfgang

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

27 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Rising Violin Star Plays Three 20th-Century Romantic Violin Concerti Gorgeously, December 6, 2006

By 

J Scott Morrison (Middlebury VT, USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Barber, Korngold, Walton: Violin Concertos (Audio CD)

This disc featuring Manitoba-born violinist James Ehnes (pronounced 'Ennis') confirms for me my suspicion that he is one of the best of the younger generation of violin soloists on the concert circuit. I had heard and greatly admired his earlier recordings of Bach's Unaccompanied Violin Partitas and of Mozart's five Violin Concerti, but this is the first I've heard him play anything from the Romantic violin concerto literature. And although these three concertos -- those by Korngold, Barber, and Walton -- are from the twentieth century they are quintessentially Romantic in thrust.

Korngold's luscious concerto, written in a style I've always thought of as '1940s Hollywood chromatic' (think of Raksin's 'Laura' or Korngold's own film scores) was premiered by Heifetz in 1947 (recorded by him in a best-selling recording of the period) and incorporates themes from several of Korngold's film scores (e.g., Another Dawn, Juarez, Anthony Adverse and The Prince and the Pauper). Ehnes's tone is perhaps less cholesterol-rich than some but he plays this crowd-pleasing work with conviction and brilliance, using robust or delicate tone where called for. He is particularly effective in the songful middle movement and in the set of variations that make up the finale.

The story is well known of how Barber was commissioned to write his violin concerto for the protégé of a rich industrialist only to have the young violinist refuse to play it because the finale was technically too difficult. The first two movements brim with ultra-lyrical themes that are underscored by plush orchestral accompaniment that place the soloist directly in the spotlight. The finale -- presto in moto perpetuo -- is a knuckle-busting showpiece. All three movements are given sensational performances by Ehnes.

William Walton's Violin Concerto has been given marvelous recordings by Kyung-Wha Chung, Lydia Mordkevitch and, best of all, by Nigel Kennedy, the latter with the spectacularly effective orchestral accompaniment by the Royal Philharmonic conducted in nonpareil fashion by André Previn. Tough competition. But Ehnes, accompanied here as in all three concerti by the superb Vancouver Symphony under Bramwell Tovey, is definitely in the same league as the others. The Walton is not, in its first two movements, as technically demanding as the Korngold or Barber, but it may be the most emotionally complex of the three; it does not do well in the hands of young and emotionally inexperienced violinists. One need have no fear of a deficit in that regard by Ehnes. This is a superb rendition that eschews flash for emotional radiance. The Walton's finale -- presto capriccioso alla napolitana -- is fiercely difficult, however, written as it was for Heifetz who had asked for something demanding; it is a tarantella with a slew of off-accents, awkwardly placed (but breathtaking) double-stops and superhumanly complicated bowing. Ehnes manages all this with aplomb.

This disc is quite frankly a must-have for lovers of these three concerti. I for one will be eager to hear anything Mr Ehnes chooses to record and will certainly be on the look-out for Ehnes performances anywhere near my neck of the woods.

Strong recommendation.

Scott Morrison

17 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Just Heard The Korngold Live, November 27, 2006

By 

George John (Houston, TX United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Barber, Korngold, Walton: Violin Concertos (Audio CD)

I have this on order as of today, but since there are no reviews, I thought I'd report my thoughts on James Ehnes's playing of the Korngold at the November 26, 2006, Houston Symphony concert -- it was absolutely fantastic!

Hilary Hahn was originally scheduled to play, but could not due to an illness. Ehnes was asked to fill in on Monday. While I'm a fan of Ms. Hahn, I think she would be hard pressed to play the Korngold any better than James Ehnes. How can you surpass perfection? -smile-

As for the Korngold, I had not heard it in thirty years. In hindsight, I greatly regret this. It is a magnificent work. At the end of the first movement, the word "WOW" kept going through my head. I found the second movement so emotionally moving, I had to bite my lip to keep from falling apart and disturbing the audience. A plus was the sound of James Ehnes's Stradivarius (on loan), which was so beautiful, especially in the upper ranges of the instrument.

This was a truly remarkable performance, by a truly remarkable talent. I think we will be seeing much more from this relatively young Canadian violinist in the future. I heard Perlman, Zukermann, and Yo-Yo Ma early in their careers. It would not surprise me in the least if Ehnes eventually reaches their ranks in terms of popularity. His playing very well may already be there. We will see.

After I receive the CD and have listened to it, I will edit this review. I have also ordered Shaham to compare.

As an aside, I remain delighted by the exceptionally high, world class level of playing by Houston Symphony. At this time, I can't think of a single orchestra that I would prefer to hear over this one. Eschenbach mined the diamonds, and Graf has cut and polished them to perfection.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Ehnes is magical!, May 30, 2008

By 

Southern Gal - See all my reviews

This review is from: Barber, Korngold, Walton: Violin Concertos (Audio CD)

Saw this artist last night playing Beethoven's exquisite Violin Concerto here in FL. Ehnes is a brilliant and incredibly gifted violinist. His live performance was stunning and mesmerizing. Thunderous applause and multiple standing ovations. Just checking to see what other CDs I want to order. This CD won a Grammy this year. After hearing him in person as well as on CD, I can fully understand how he won that Grammy and has numerous other awards under his belt. I am sure we will be hearing more about him in the future.