Embark on a captivating journey through the intricate world of violin sonatas with Canadian violinist James Ehnes and pianist Andrew Armstrong. Released on Onyx Classics in 2016, this album showcases a stunning collection of works by Claude Debussy, Edward Elgar, Ottorino Respighi, and Jean Sibelius, composed between 1915 and 1919. The ten-track album spans a total of 68 minutes, offering a rich tapestry of chamber music that highlights the nuanced performances of Ehnes and Armstrong.
The album opens with Debussy's Violin Sonata in G Minor, L. 140, a piece characterized by its lively Allegro vivo and the delicate Intermede - Fastaque et leger. It concludes with the energetic Finale - Très animé. Following this, Elgar's Violin Sonata in E Minor, Op. 82, is presented in its entirety, featuring the Allegro, Romance - Andante, and Allegro non troppo movements. Sibelius's Violin Sonata in B Minor, P. 110, rounds out the collection with its Moderato, Andante espressivo, and the intricate Passacaglia - Allegro moderato ma energico.
Complementing these sonatas is Debussy's 10 Pensées Lyriques, Op. 40, from which the Berceuse is included, adding a touch of lyrical beauty to the album. Ehnes's warm tone and purposeful phrasing, combined with Armstrong's sensitive piano accompaniment, create a satisfying recital disc that is sure to captivate classical music enthusiasts. Whether you're a long-time fan of chamber music or new to the genre, this album offers a compelling exploration of some of the most significant violin sonatas of the early 20th century.
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