Following a well-received Sibelius disc released just a few months ago (review), violinist James Ehnes has kept busy with another project alongside Juanjo Mena and the BBC Philharmonic. This Spanish-inspired album includes popular violin repertoire such as Lalo’s Symphonie Espagnole, Sarasate’s Carmen Concert Fantasy, and Saint-Saëns’ Violin Concerto No. 3.
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The Lalo gets things off to a promising start. The performers are clearly in their element here: the orchestra’s unabashed energy matches Ehnes’ efforts throughout. Particularly striking in the first movement is the seamless blending of the ensemble’s instruments. The interludes reveal excellent integration of strings and a notably well-rounded brass section. Meanwhile, the soloist navigates the technical demands fluidly, appearing to glide effortlessly through challenging passages—though never lacking expressiveness. The sense of drama and excitement remains tangible.
The Scherzando brings playful joy, much like the first movement’s energetic turbulence. Although it once again proves a violin showpiece, the immaculate synchronization between the soloist and orchestra speaks to their comfortable familiarity with each other.
The Intermezzo (track 3) allows the orchestra ample opportunity to shine, with the BBC players offering impressive depth in the well-executed opening interlude. Here, two distinct characters emerge in the call-and-response: the austere, commanding strings, almost Brahmsian in their symphonic profile, contrasted by the delicate transparency of the winds.
The Rondo (track 5) convincingly delivers a strong conclusion: the performers clearly relish the buoyancy of Lalo’s writing. While the virtuoso element here might be less pronounced compared to earlier movements, Ehnes maximizes the final passages with an admirable elegance and agility.
While there’s certainly nothing objectionable in this interpretation of the Carmen Fantasy, it somewhat pales in character compared to other renditions, lacking the intensity and command so effectively displayed in the Lalo. Mena and the orchestra pursue a more stately approach in the Introduction (track 9), but the slower tempo (and the disappointing absence of castanets) reduces some of the dance-like swing.
Ehnes’ playing, although confident, could benefit from the flair found in the Perlman/Mehta (DG) recording: Perlman infuses a spirited, vocal quality into his phrasing, making for a more captivating experience. In the subsequent Moderato, the BBC players might have leaned further into the tango accompaniment to heighten rhythmic sharpness. Additionally, the violin line could use more imaginative dialogue—there isn’t sufficient distinction of character in the exchanges between the upper and lower registers. Anne-Sophie Mutter’s recording with the Vienna Philharmonic certainly elevates this musical dialogue in a compelling manner.
The Lento Assai (track 11), however, sets things back on track: here, Ehnes beautifully captures the more sensitive aspects of Bizet’s tempestuous, ill-fated heroine. He blends wistfulness with tenderness, breathing life into the instrument, making it whisper and sigh convincingly. The final two movements, of course, showcase the soloist’s virtuosity, and Ehnes does not disappoint. His intonation is precise, and the fast passagework is impeccable. Although the concluding chords could use a bit more force from the orchestra, there’s a satisfying sense of seamless collaboration leading to this moment.
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Saint-Saëns’ third violin concerto was dedicated to and premiered by none other than Sarasate. While the violin part clearly showcases a technically seasoned soloist, this work is perhaps the most classical in character, marked by elegance and lyricism. Ehnes demonstrates the artistic versatility needed to shift from the more dramatic personalities of the other works to the refined sophistication of this concerto. Yet, when the music calls for a more austere presence, as in the final movement, both he and the orchestra fully embrace it.
As with Ehnes’ previous albums, this new release features excellent liner notes. The descriptions effectively illustrate connections between the pieces, underscoring thoughtful curation. Chandos’s sound engineers again provide a balanced recording, capturing the intricacies of the violin alongside the orchestra’s power and depth. Despite some minor reservations, this album remains highly enjoyable, with the Lalo undoubtedly standing out as the highlight.
Recommended Comparisons:
Lalo: Zukerman | Vengerov | Chang | Perlman
Saint-Saëns: Lin | Graffin | Kantorow | Zimmermann
Sarasate: Mutter | Perlman
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Album Details |
|
|---|---|
| Album name | Lalo, Saint-Saëns, Sarasate |
| Label | Chandos |
| Catalogue No. | CHAN 20333 |
| Amazon Music link | N/A |
| Apple Music link | Stream here |
| Artists | James Ehnes, BBC Philharmonic, Juanjo Mena |
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