Search - James Ehnes :: Bach: Sonatas & Partitas for Solo Violin

Flawless intonation, gorgeous slow movements

Benjamin Moodie | Berkeley, CA | 03/23/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"**NB: This review assumes that this recording is identical to Ehnes's first recording of these pieces on the same label, one that is now out of print.**

I was at Meadowmount music camp with James Ehnes. Even then, he was a superstar amongst excellent young musicians. Since then, Ehnes seems to have developed absolutely flawless intonation.

The most lovely thing about Ehnes's playing, aside from that absolutely limpid intonation, is his very naturally singing phrasing. The Andante from Sonata #2 and the Largo from Sonata #3 have never been played better, in my opinion--such gorgeously living, breathing performances with exquisite rubatos, etc.

Amidst this, I have to register one objection, one that holds for many of his other recordings as well, unfortunately. For all the sheer beauty of Ehnes's sound, you can end up getting a bit bored by it (the aforementioned movements excepted...). For instance, I prefer Szeryng's Partita #1 (first recording) and Perlman's unmatched Ciaccona for their superior communication of the architecture and drama of these pieces.

Still, if you like these pieces, you won't want to do without Ehnes's recording."