Violinist James Ehnes and his musical partner, Andrew Armstrong, have performed both the Cesar Franck and Richard Strauss violin sonatas many times and bring special insight to these works that only many years of performing them together can convey.
We get to listen to the following gems on this CD:
Cesar Franck:
Richard Strauss:
- Violin Sonata in E flat major, Op. 18
- Wiegenlied, Op. 41 No. 1, transcribed for violin & piano
- Waldsehligkeit, Op. 49 No. 1, transcribed for violin & piano
- Morgen, Op. 27 No. 4, transcribed for violin & piano
Performed by James Ehnes (violin) and Andrew Armstrong (piano).
The Franck is one of the very greatest of all violin sonatas, and finds the composer at the height of his powers.
The Strauss sonata is the work of a young man exploring his unique musical voice, with echoes of Brahms mingling with flashes of the Strauss sounds of ‘Don Juan’.
The Allegretto in E dates from the very end of Strauss’ long career, and it is a tender and beautifully poised miniature that displays his creativity and inspiration.
The CD ends with three of the composer’s most popular songs, as transcribed for violin and piano.
Here is Niccolò Paganini’s Caprice No. 9 In E Major “The Hunt”, as performed by James Ehnes, Violin:
This is flawless intonation, and outstanding phrasing and interpretation!
And next, here is Mr. Ehnes in the Sibelius Violin Concerto:
Tags: James Ehnes, violinist, Strauss, Cesar Frank, Sonatas, “Morgen”